Manuel Pellegrini on West Ham United youngster Declan Rice’s performance against Chelsea

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West Ham United managed to claim a 0-0 draw against Chelsea yesterday.

West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has told Football London that he wasn’t impressed with Declan Rice’s display against Chelsea, because he has come to expect that from the youngster now.

Rice was in outstanding form for West Ham as they picked up a 0-0 draw yesterday in a defensive midfield position.

The 19-year-old was tasked with keepings tabs on Chelsea’s attack and protecting his defence, and he performed brilliantly in the role.

The defensive midfielder continuously broke up Chelsea’s attack, and helped West Ham collect a clean sheet from the contest.

And when asked about Rice’s performance, Pellegrini said: “Impressed? No, because I see Declan working every day of the week and I know the way he does it.

“He has a lot of intensity, he’s great, he’s learning a lot about what to do, his position, and I said at the beginning of the season he could be a very good centre-back or a very good holding midfielder. He’s taken his chance and I’m very happy for him.”

Rice started West Ham’s first game of the season against Liverpool, but he was taken off at half-time, and lost his place in the line-up.

It wasn’t until West Ham’s win over Everton last week that Rice was put back into the team.

Rice has excelled ever since, and now he looks set to continue in West Ham’s starting line-up for the foreseeable future.

The Hammers’ next match comes on Wednesday evening against League Two side Macclesfield Town.