Manuel Pellegrni has pointed to the improving Mark Noble and Declan Rice clearly seeing them as a vital ingredient in the current successful run.
There can be little doubt that since returning from an early season injury problem Nobes has made a terrific difference in midfield.
He has played in a more advanced role with Declan ensuring that, unlike under previous managers, the skipper didn’t need to operate as a box to box midfielder when it as clear he hadn’t the legs to get back.
But the emergence of Declan has ensured that we now see the best of an offensive Mark Noble with few disagreeing that he is enjoying some of the best games we have seen in a long time.
Yes, Pellegrini is fortunate that the 20 year old has matured so quickly but ensuring that Dec hold while Mark runs has been a highly positive move within the team regardless.
The manager – speaking to the media at his pre-match presser – said: “I think Declan is progressing in every game that he plays because he is progressing in every training session.
He’s always trying to learn and improve, and he is always listening. He is a player that I would say is going to have a brilliant future, but his present is as well. At present, in this moment, he is the best holding midfielder of England.
Mark, as captain, is always trying to help all of his teammates. I changed his position a little bit, leaving Declan as the only holding midfielder. Mark has improved a lot in his performances.
He is arriving more in the opposition box, he is having more possession of the ball and, with his experience in football and of the club, he is always helping everyone. “
