Alan Shearer has included West Ham midfielder Declan Rice in his Premier League Team of the Week – claiming the England star keeps on getting better. Rice was instrumental, as West Ham beat Crystal Palace 3-2.
The Hammers looked as if they were going to stroll to three points. David Moyes watched on, as his side dominated the first half – taking a 3-0 lead into the break. Michail Antonio opened the scoring on 22 minutes.
Manuel Lanzini scored a beautiful second, volleying home left-footed before firing in a penalty. But Palace came roaring back in the second as Patrick Vieira’s men looked to get something from the game.
Shearer named both Rice and Lanzini in his TOTW, but reserved special praise for the England midfielder. He believes Rice is getting better with every month that goes by, laying on his fourth assist of the season.
“Clocking up his 150th Premier League appearance in West Ham’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, he seems to be getting better every month. He got another assist this time,” Shearer claimed, when discussing Rice.
Shearer on Rice: How long can West Ham keep England star?
As long as West Ham can continue to match Rice’s ambition, then the England star will remain. He has a contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2024, and while he has snubbed offers, it is not urgent.
What must be remembered is that Rice only turns 23 this month. He is still incredibly young and another year or two at West Ham is not going to hurt. But if the Hammers do not get into Europe this season, he will surely go.
Chelsea have long been linked but if word goes out that he is available, you would expect all Premier League clubs able to afford him – will want him.
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