Fans at the London Stadium on Sunday saw a stunning future central midfield partnership in the making during West Ham’s win over Aston Villa.
West Ham talisman Declan Rice is already one of the first names on the England team sheet.
And the Hammers captain was at his imperious best once again as he not only helped thwart the likes of Aston Villa star Philippe Coutinho but sprang a brilliant counter attack which effectively made West Ham’s second goal.
Rice was lauded after the game by Villa boss Steven Gerrard.
The legendary former midfield great quipped that he hoped Rice is still available should he ever manage England one day in the future (Football.London).
BBC’s Match of the Day 2 pundits Ian Wright and Danny Murphy joked that their analysis of West Ham is becoming boring as a result of the unavoidable focus on Rice.
But the West Ham man was not the only midfielder to shine in the game.
Villa’s brilliant young star Jacob Ramsey showed once again he is a serious talent.
The 20-year-old Villa academy product already has six goals and an assist from 22 starts in his breakthrough campaign.
A young striker would be delighted with those kind of figures, let alone a box-to-box attacking midfielder.
Ramsey’s all round play, athleticism, pace, attitude and – as he showed with his excellently taken goal at the end – finishing ability suggest this is a player destined for full senior England honours sooner rather than later.
West Ham fans were very impressed with what they saw from Ramsey.
And despite Villa’s defeat he emerged as the visiting side’s most impressive player. So much so it became abundantly clear why Villa may have been prepared to let Jack Grealish leave.
Rice and Ramsey were the two standout players on the pitch. And it seems fitting they both wear the number 41.
Now imagine West Ham ace Rice and the young Villa prodigy joining forces in the heart of England’s midfield.
It is a salivating prospect, perhaps in a midfield three alongside another outstanding Brum-born talent, Jude Bellingham.
And on this evidence it really will only be a matter of time.
Fans saw the future England central midfield partnership in West Ham’s win over Aston Villa. And it’s very bright indeed.
Bright claret and blue.
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