By Hughie Southon

Jarrod Bowen has made it clear who represents the glue in the West Ham team and his name is Declan Rice.

The captain has been a massive figure in the squad and as Jarrod has fund his own form in a big way he has come out declaring his huge admiration for the Hammers prize asset.

Bowen has been in sensational form over recent weeks, netting his fifth goal of the season – and his third in his last four matches – against RSC Anderlecht on Thursday.

Following a fine Saïd Benrahma free-kick, Bowen’s strike saw the Hammers clinch a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League knockouts thanks to a 2-1 Group B win at London Stadium.

The Hammers are now looking to build on the recent form at St Mary’s Stadium and Jarrod said that captain Rice has been a crucial part of the Irons’ return to winning ways both on and off the pitch.

“Dec is one of the best in this in this position for what he does,” Bowen said. “He’s not just a defensive midfielder but an attacking one as well. The way he carries the ball.

“The criticism aimed at him comes from Dec almost being too good. He’s setting that bar so high for himself to be one of the best in the world at this position. I see his quality every single day in training and on a match day. He is the best in every game. He is just on another level – and he’s still only 23.”

“Dec has seen a proper leader in Nobes (former captain Mark Noble) and has taken [the role of captain] in his stride. He’s never been a full club captain before, but what he does, he comes out and speaks to the media every single week. He has been that glue in the team.”