Chris Sutton has told 606 on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has become ‘really powerful’.
A mainstay in this West Ham side, the England international, who will be looking to start against Poland on Wednesday, is the engine in David Moyes team that is currently on the road to Europe.
Alongside, Tomas Soucek, both him and Rice are driving the East London outfit to an unlikely Champions League finish, with only two points currently separating them and fourth-placed, Chelsea.
But former Blackburn striker, Sutton, thinks he has noticed a change in Rice’s physique as he continues to thrive in the Claret & Blue colours.
“He seems to have become really powerful,” said Sutton. “Bulked up a little bit. He looks stronger.”
The combative and hard-hitting side of Rice’s game has always been there, but West Ham fans are now seeing a lot more of the England talent driving with the ball.
Perhaps more goals are in order for Rice to take his game to another level, but he has West Ham’s new hero, Jesse Lingard, providing that magic from the middle of the park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
