Declan Rice is consistently proving why he is not only West Ham United’s talisman but why he is also being recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been heavily touted to sign Rice recently and, after his impressive start to the season, he’s showing what these clubs could have in the summer.
A box-to-box midfielder rather than holding
The 22-year-old has changed his position from last season, becoming a more box-to-box midfielder rather than a defensive midfielder.
This slight tweak in his position has enabled Rice to thrive. Making the most passes (742), second-most touches and winning the most tackles (35) for the Hammers, his numbers back up the hype surrounding him.
When he’s not singing ‘Rice Rice baby’ to 70,000 listeners on Twitter, the England international is developing his game to become a complete midfielder.
Despite their recent 2-1 loss away to Manchester City, West Ham have been one of the most consistent sides in the Premier League thus far. Sitting fourth – winning seven, drawing two and losing four games – David Moyes has created a side who are showing that last season was no fluke.
Flourishing in Europe
With quality throughout their squad, the Irons have the correct tools to challenge the top six and mirror their league performances in the Europa League. Following their 2-0 win against Genk on November 25, West Ham have qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League having not lost a group game.
In a seemingly role reversal from last season, Tomas Soucek has occupied the holding midfield role thus enabling Rice to show off his creative side.
As a result, the midfielder has considerably increased his touches in the opposition half this season and, having not missed a single minute of league football, has been influential for West Ham’s attacking options. In Europe, Rice has begun to add goals to his game, scoring two in Group H.
Having played such a pivotal role for England in the Euros, only losing to Italy in the final, a change to his position, moving from a deeper role into more of a box-to-box role, has demonstrated his ability to adapt on an international stage as well.
Declan Rice imitating his footballing idol Patrick Vieira
His physicality and ability to drive forward with the ball is reminiscent of the youngster’s footballing icon Patrick Vieira. No midfielder has averaged a higher progressive carry distance, 200 yards per 90 minutes, this season.
Although his contract expires in summer 2024, with an option to extend it by a year, it is likely that this will be the youngster’s last season in claret and blue. It comes as no surprise that all the Premier League high rollers have been eyeing up the midfielder, who will certainly have his pick of the biggest clubs in Europe.
In the modern game, it is rare to find a midfielder who is as effective in and out of possession, but Rice has all the qualities of a world-class all-rounder.
The West Ham star is sure to start and captain his side in a tough test at home to Brighton on Wednesday (7:30pm kick-off).
