Declan Rice has regularly been named as a future Hammers skipper since arriving in the first team last season.
His composure in a number of position has marked him out as one of the major discoveries of the season and along with Marko Arnautovic was the high spot of a disappointing Irons season.
Now his Irish international team mate Shane Duffy is tipping him to collect the armband for his international as he rises to the top.
He spoke of the Hammers defender’s huge potential after the 2-0 defeat against Paris when Dec started the game sitting in front of the back four, before finishing it alongside Duffy at the heart of defence.
The Brighton defender said: “He is so comfortable in all the positions he plays in but you don’t want him to be one of those who can play anywhere – you want him to settle down into a position.
“I think he is going to go right to the top. He will captain Ireland some day.
“Declan can be here for many years so we have to be careful with him and let him develop – as his club are doing with him, but it’s a joy to see him coming in so early and it’s good for everyone.
“He is a big voice in there too. He’s not shy. He’s a good lad with a good head on his shoulders.”