West Ham captain Declan Rice gave another great performance against Manchester City once again showing off his top leadership skills
His game by numbers vs Man City: 100% pass accuracy 4 ball recoveries 4 interceptions 4/4 long balls 3/3 tackles 2/2 take-ons
At just 22, he has made over 100 Premier League appearances and is already captaining the Hammers with Noble on the sidelines.
Rice told WHUFC.com: “It was a great point. We’ve been in fantastic form recently. I thought in the first half we were excellent – they only had one shot on target. We nullified their main players and Michail scored a great goal.
“In the second half, I think that’s something we need to work on: coming out of the blocks a bit quicker. We did it at Spurs but today we started a bit sloppy, a bit heavy-legged after sitting down at half-time, and obviously, Phil [Foden] scored a great goal, but from then on it was digging in and giving everything we had for that point.
“I think the last three or four times they [City[ have played us here, they’ve scored four or five goals every time – but today’s result shows that we’re building something.
“The manager’s been brilliant. The backroom staff, when they took over for the games, have been outstanding as well. I think we’ve found a formation that suits our players.
We’re working hard for each other, we’re giving everything for each other, and that’s what West Ham fans expect. That’s what we demand as players.
They [Manchester City] have got so many options to pass to,” Rice reflected. “We’re trying our best to cover the lines and get up to people. It doesn’t help when they bring [Kevin] de Bruyne on with 25 minutes to go!
“I thought the lads were excellent – the way we stay switched on all game, we were brilliant.”
Talking about midfielder Tomáš Souček. Rice commented “He’s brilliant to play with, he’s a player we definitely needed, with some legs to make the box and obviously get back as well.
He’s added something to the team, which is brilliant. He gives us an out every time and when he’s popping up in the box, we’ve not really had that over the years. It’s fantastic to play with him.”
Postgame Rice took to Twitter and said “Great team performance against a top side! We need to keep building on these performances. Heading in the right direction”
Today a report in the Daily Star claims a new contract is being readied, with the aim of doubling his £60,000-a-week wages and extending his stay, where he currently contracted to 2024 – with a one-year extension option.
I am sure the speculation will start again around Rice as we head to the January transfer window and Chelsea are likely to be at the top of the list.
Truth is, he is worth £100m of anyone’s money and the Hammers will not allow him to go easily. To date, no formal bid or serious enquiry has been received by West Ham and they hope it remains that way!
What I have noticed this season is that Rice has added driving runs from midfield to his game – he will soon be adding goals and become our Yaya Toure
West Ham quite simply say no. Other clubs do. We seem to be heading in the right direction . Team building time. And hopefully a very good team at that.
Take a leaf out of Daniel Levy’s book of player dealing!