Alvin praises Declan’s dignity and integrity for game

Declan Rice has received high praise and been told he plays the game with “dignity and respect” by a Hammers favourite son Alvin Martin.

The former central defender is a massive admirer but has drawn attention to elements of his game which have hitherto gone unmentioned.

And he is right to praise Declan’s willingness to throw himself into situations which often carry real risk.

The young midfielder has drawn praise from everywhere after an astonishing season at defensive midfield and making his international debut to the manner born.

And we have every right to expect even more improvement from the 20 year old under the current management team.

Alvin had a stellar career with the Irons and like us all is delighted to see Declan achieving so much so soon as he becomes one of the most admired young players in the country.

He made his feelings very clear in an interview with the official site www.whufc.com saying: There are players who can play that defensive midfield role who can get away with it without taking responsibility, not being prepared to receive a ball which has a risk involved.

“What I like is Declan’s honesty. He plays the game with integrity in that respect, always making himself available even when he knows he is putting himself in a risky situation.

“The big thing going forward is what, while everything is going so well for him in that role, he needs to make sure he continues to improve because he is still young and potentially there is so much more there for him.

“He has to make sure he doesn’t take his foot off the pedal, that he goes in every day wanting to improve.

“Now the sky is the limit for him. Declan will know that, over the next couple of seasons, he will continue to improve for West Ham and Manuel Pellegrini.

He’s a good fit for the club. He’s in a comfortable place and it’s a sign that West Ham are on the right track.”

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon