Declan Rice could be utilised as a centre-back for West Ham against Lyon in the Europa League tomorrow night.
That’s according to a report from The Evening Standard who claims that David Moyes could opt to use Dec as a centre-half instead of starting Issa Diop at the Groupama Stadium.
In other news…Report: 3 key Lyon players absent from training this morning ahead of West Ham clash
The Hammers drew 1-1 with Lyon at the London Stadium in the first-leg of the Europa League quarter-final tie last week.
It was actually a decent result for us in the end considering the fact that we had to play more than half of the match with only 10 men.
The tie is finely poised ahead of the second-leg. The Hammers have numerous injury concerns, however, as well as the prospect of being without Aaron Cresswell through suspension.
And it seems as though Moyes has a cunning plan up his sleeve…
Declan Rice set for different West Ham role for Europa League clash with Lyon
The Evening Standard claims that Kurt Zouma could be out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury against Brentford on Sunday.
Issa Diop may well come in to partner Craig Dawson at the heart of West Ham’s defence for our game against Lyon.
It seems as though Moyes could have other ideas though…
The Evening Standard reckon that Declan Rice could be used in central defence for the West Ham vs Lyon Europa League clash.
The 23-year-old began his career as a centre-back, so it’s easy to see why Moyes might be considering starting him in defence against Lyon.
We believe that the Scot would be making a grave error if he does indeed decide to move Rice from midfield into the back four, however.
West Ham would surely get totally overrun in central midfield without Dec dictating the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.
Without Rice’s energy, dynamism and athleticism, the battle for control of the game could well be lost and then it won’t matter who we have in central defence.
We believe that Moyes should put his trust in Issa Diop to partner Craig Dawson. The 25-year-old has had his troubles this season but he’s still capable.
Declan Rice absolutely must remain in midfield if we are to have any chance of progressing through to the semi-finals of the Europa League tomorrow night.
Read also:
Insider claims that Moyes could sell 26-year-old West Ham ace in the summer
Report claims West Ham could now sign 6ft 5in French colossus in the summer
£25 million ace has a new role to play for West Ham and it’s so obvious to see
Michail Antonio makes stunning claim on Twitter ahead of second-leg Europa League clash
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
