Martin Keown raved about West Ham ace Declan Rice when writing his regular column for the Daily Mail.
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The 21-year-old is absolutely vital for the Hammers – arguably our most important player.
Many West Ham fans were dreading Chelsea coming in for the England international during the summer transfer window.
But Rice end up staying at the London Stadium.
And that really is great news for the Hammers fans and David Moyes.
Considering just how disappointing the transfer window was for us, keeping hold of the 21-year-old was an undoubted, and probably unexpected bonus.
If we can pick up two or three quality additions from the Championship over the next 10 days, we should still be able to join a relatively successful Premier League campaign.
And keeping Rice was obviously pivotal to our chances of doing just that.
Martin Keown raved about the West Ham youngster, when writing his regular column for the Daily Mail, suggesting that he is playing the best football of his fledgling career to date:
“Rice previously looked like a centre back trying to play in midfield. But now he is looking like a finely-tuned midfielder in his own right. He’s playing the best football I’ve seen him play in a West Ham shirt.”
Despite a slightly out of character display against Newcastle on the opening day, Rice has made a great start to the season for the Hammers.
In four Premier League appearances this term, the 21-year-old has made nine tackles, nine interceptions, seven clearances and 29 ball recoveries. He has also won 22 individual duals and four aerial battles (premierleague.com).
Keeping Rice at the club was very important during the transfer window. But now West Ham must do everything they can to keep him in east London for the long-term.
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