Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has finally gone public on his admiration for Declan Rice.
And as a result there would seem little doubt that he would test West Ham’s resolve in holding onto him were he still in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The former Hammer appeared on BBC One as a pundit last night and commented on Declan’s contribution to the England cause against the Ukraine where he again had claims as man of the match..
Lampard – in a rare appearance – was effusive in his praise for the 22 year old’s defensive midfield abilities as he ran his eye over clips from the 4-0 win at the end of the game.
He said: “I love Declan Rice there, he’s covering for [Kieran] Trippier, the rest of the team they’re behind going ‘okay, are we sound?’
“The most dangerous times sometimes are if you turn the ball over in areas, but now we’re ready.
“There are enough players to create chances and we’re very strong behind with the likes of Rice.”
With Harry Kane doing the business up front and Harry Maguire looking superb at the heart of the defence behind Declan the team will go into the semi final with huge confidence.
It’s going to be a very big night indeed.
I wasn’t dissappointed when Rice got hooked. The game was safe and Henderson had a superb game-not just for his goal. Now his yellow card is no more he’ll do 90 mins and, who knows, may get MOTM this time round. Neither semi final nor final will be a walk in the park. Now Southgate has 2 semi finals to his CV- I wonder who will shout him down now?
To appreciate how good a player like Declan is you have to attend games. Otherwise you just don’t see all that fantastic covering play. Until this tournament a lot of neutral TV fans didn’t get it because they couldn’t see it. Now it’s being pointed out by the likes of Lampard, the penny is dropping.
Not the slightest interested in what Lampard says-and getting the same way with Ferdinand after his Rice manu comments.
Must admit I cringe when I see those 2 Judas’s, Lampard & Ferdinand on TV!! Rarely anything positive to say about West Ham!!