Dion Dublin and Mark Lawrenson have been full of praise for Declan Rice on Football Focus (BBC One, 23/10, 12:29) and what the West Ham United midfielder offers David Moyes.
Rice has started all eight of the Irons’ Premier League fixtures so far this season ahead of hosting Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. He has also opened each of the Hammers’ Europa League group stage ties, after a pivotal role in their qualification.
Moyes relies on few as often as the West Ham boss leans on his vice-captain, Rice, at the London Stadium. The 22-year-old, Aaron Cresswell and Angelo Ogbonna are the Irons’ only outfielders to play all 720 top-flight minutes this term. As has goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
Dublin and Lawrenson in awe of Rice
Dublin and Lawrenson are in awe of the player Rice is becoming as his West Ham status continues to grow. The pair have been effusive with praise for the England international and the problems he can cause for opposing sides.
“He’s brilliant,” Dublin enthused. “I just think he’s becoming a presence in the [centre] now, he’s now taking charge of games. His decision making is very good. You can see he’s demanding he wants the ball. To have someone like that in your side, whether for your country or your league side, is so important.”
Lawrenson added: “If you’re a manager, and you have lots of players who are eight out of 10 every week, you’ve got a good side and he’s very much one of the eight out of 10s. As you say, as he gets more and more confident, he’s becoming much better on the ball.
“Positioning, as well, for a relatively young man, he’s got it absolutely off to a tee. And I’m told he’s a top pro, as well, on and off the pitch. He breaks out, too, and obviously causes problems for opposition midfield players, but also the back players, as well. If your front players have good movement, it’s great.”
West Ham have the weapons
West Ham have the weapons around Rice that Lawrenson notes can be a managers’ dream. Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma can offer the movement that creates openings for Rice to charge forward.
Moyes also has Tomas Soucek and while the Croatian has endured a less productive season so far, remains key. Offering a defensive screen when Rice pushes up the pitch and battling hard for possession. He also delivered a prime example of the player he was last season at Everton last weekend. Netting with a good finish, but for the offside flag to go up.
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