West Ham boss David Moyes addressed the media after last night’s win over Bournemouth and praised Declan Rice’s display, whilst admitting that people had been telling him that the England international had not been playing well recently, as quoted by Football.London.
The 20-year-old was excellent against Bournemouth yesterday. In truth, he hasn’t quite been at his best over the past month or so. Having said that, he is still one of the Hammers’ best performing players of the season thus far.
Rice is incredibly important to West Ham. His positional sense and discipline for someone so young really is impressive. And he is a massive fan favourite at the London Stadium.
Moyes was pleased with his performance against the Cherries yesterday.
The Scot told reporters how he was told by a few people before he took the Hammers job that the 20-year-old had not been in very good form recently, as quoted by Football.London:
“I thought him (Noble) and Declan were top drawer, a few people had said to me he’s not been playing well recently, I though Declan was excellent. The two of them played really well.”
People seem to forget just how young Rice still is when criticising him.
The 20-year-old will undoubtedly go on to become one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League. Everyone just needs to be a bit more patient with him.
Rice has made the fifth most interceptions in the Premier League this season with 42 already (premierleague.com).
And if he continues to evolve and improve, West Ham will have one seriously good player on their hands.
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