Declan hasn’t put a foot wrong in pre-season
One individual who will be watching events up until transfer deadline day very closely is every Hammer’s favourite teenage – Declan Rice.
For all the talk over the last week to ten days has been that we need, and are looking for, another midfielder plus a striker of course.
Whilst that has been going on we have watched a youngster whose central defensive qualities we were celebrating just a few short months ago produce equally or perhaps even better performances in the middle of the park.
Ok, I know the quality of the opposition in pre-season friendlies can hardly be compared but I reckon, from what I’ve seen of this young man, that they all come the same to him.
I don’t want to lumber him again with that Mooro comparison although even that hardly seems to have fazed him but what I do feel is that this kid has the ability to do a brilliant job in midfield and at the back.
Ok, I want the board to spend as much money as they can possibly afford without putting the club at risk but such has been Dec’s form since he arrived on the scene in what were pretty dreadful circumstances that I do believe he can save them a lot of dough in that midfield position
His youth, athleticism and ability looks Premier League quality to me and should deadline day come and go without another signing I don’t think anybody should unduly perturbed because Declan Rice is business.
Now, baord, as I’ve said before get that contract sorted!
Spot on Hugh. Why spend money when we have a great young home grown player that cost us nothing and really looks the part in defensive midfield. OK pre season is not always a great indicator, however he did very well last season at CB and even after being slated by Moyes never seemed to be fazed by it, and under Pelles guidance I think we have potentially the best teenage prospect in the Prem. I am sure the powers to be will sort out a long term contract as Declan does seem happy to be at the club, I hope.
Spot on! Give the lad a long term contract and let him become the new Michael Carrick…..
Declan Rice is a great prospect and will play a lot of games again this season, but buying / loaning someone like Sturaro to play CM allows Obiang to get his wish to go back to Sampdoria. It would also give us a real defensive CM player with experience instead of someone just trying to fit into the role. There’l be plenty of injuries among the CM players, so any 2 from Rice, Noble and Sturaro will keep a strong CM.
Totally agree there Sleeps. As has already been mentioned, Pelle is building a squad not just a first team so the midfield options you’ve mentioned will fit in with that nicely. To expect Declan to take the DCM all season would be suicidal and leave us hanging if he gets injured. Yes Obiang is an ok back up/rotation player with Declan but if you can improve the position with another better player then why not?
As for Declan’s new contract, i think Pelle & the board will wait until the window closes, check the finances available and then offer him a bumper new deal to keep him at this club for a very long time (seeing as he is one of the best new prospects we’ve had since the likes of Cole, Carrick et al).
Agree Sleeps, had typed something similar last night but not posted because the words I used sounded negative about young Declan who is a great prospect, lacking experience and perhaps not being a natural CDM, your words are put much better and sum up the way I feel also.
He’s the best I’ve seen since the Dailly era
I agree with the comments re Rice but think the manager is building a squad so we do not have the problems of last season when we were down to asking players to fill in when someone was injured, The manager will be very aware what a talent he has in Rice but wants to cover all possibilities so I am not worried.
No doubt about it Rice is a very good player but we have more than one CDM to play,as I see it Pelle plays with two holding midfielders in various versions of his style,this means we need cover in those positions,the cover at present is Obiang,Fernandes and at a push Cullen,and that’s apart from Wilshere,so I think one quality CDM and a realistic back up would be ideal,I’ve got to say I’m a bit puzzled as to why this position has been left to the end.COYI