Runner-up Oggy’s glowing praise for top man

Generous Angelo Ogbonnna has backed the fans choice of Deckan Rice as Hammer of the year 100 per cent.

Oggy was runner up in the annual poll on the back of some great performances at the heart of the defence alongside Issa Diop.

Left out for a long period under Manuel Pellegrini at one stage of his Irons career in favour of Fabian Balbuena, the Italian international took his chance big time when returning and has often been a master class defender.

He always gives a seven plus performance and his contribution was recognised by the fans who clearly recognise him as our top back four man.

Never complaining, he got on with life humbly and professionally whilst on the sidelined but came back determined to show what he is all about – a top professional.

But he recognises that in Declan – who has played 90 minutes throughout every game – we have a deserving winner of the award.

And speaking at https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2020/july/28-july/angelo-ogbonna-hammer-year-declan-rice-has-been-unbelievable he said: “I said before that for me Dec is going to win, because I saw the improvement in him this year and he’s been unbelievable,” Ogbonna said.

“To see Dec in front of me makes my job totally easy. For me, he’s young and so humble and he’s got such quality to be a top player. He’s been exceptional.

“To see a young player to come through and play like that, I’m very proud of him.

“He deserved the award and I would like to thank him too!”