Martin Keown has started a social media war between West Ham and Newcastle United fans by claiming Sean Longstaff could be better than Declan Rice.
Speaking on BT Sport, as quoted by The Daily Star, pundit Keown sparked controversy with his comments about Longstaff.
He compared the Newcastle starlet to Michael Carrick and claimed that he could even be better than West Ham star Rice.
Martin Keown’s comments
The ex-Arsenal defender said: “Longstaff, it reminds me of a Michael Carrick type performance tonight, the way he’s stroking the ball about
“Rice that plays for West Ham. We have often talked about him. I think this fella is maybe better. He’s technically better, the way he strikes the ball.”
Sean Longstaff vs. Declan Rice
Longstaff has only just burst onto the scene at Newcastle, while Rice has played over 50 games and is an established member of West Ham’s side.
But both Longstaff and Rice are highly exciting young players and they play different roles; there is no real need to compare the two.
Below are what Hammers fans are saying about Keown’s comments.
https://twitter.com/ian2274/status/1100511557044391936
https://twitter.com/Billy_1993/status/1100508463212445696
https://twitter.com/joeharris06/status/1100523424731009025
https://twitter.com/olliebruton/status/1100517438725255169
https://twitter.com/ikejeffo1/status/1100678185488764928
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
