Bournemouth right-back Ryan Fredericks believes his former West Ham United teammate Declan Rice can ‘do anything’. Yet the England star still has an even higher level to achieve.
Fredericks has waxed lyrical over Rice’s ability ahead of reuniting with the midfielder at the London Stadium on Monday. His Cherries side travels to the capital trying to remain ahead of the Hammers in the Premier League table. The Irons are currently two points worse off.
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Both teams have taken three wins over their 11 top-flight fixtures so far this term. But the Hammers will hope to improve their offensive record against the Cherries’ poor defensive tally. West Ham have only scored nine goals this term, yet Bournemouth have allowed 23.
Fredericks has only managed to play a bit-part role in Bournemouth’s efforts since signing for the south coast side. The 30-year-old has started three of his five top-flight matches at Dean Court. He joined the Cherries after David Moyes let his contract at West Ham expire.
In contrast, Rice has remained an ever-present piece of Moyes’ plans with the West Ham captain starting all 11 games. The 23-year-old has also played every minute of his outings for one goal and two assists. His attempts directly influenced one win and one draw so far.
Fredericks hopes Rice has a ‘nightmare’ when Bournemouth visit West Ham
Fredericks has now told talkSPORT that he hopes Rice has a ‘nightmare’ on Monday when Bournemouth visit West Ham. He is in complete awe of what the 34-cap England star can produce on the pitch. Yet the defender still believes even more is yet possible from Rice.
“In my eyes, I think the way I’ve seen him in games and training, I think he’s already world-class,” Fredericks said. “From what I’ve seen I think he can go to another level.
“I don’t think he is far off it now. But I think he will be the best midfielder in the world in the next couple of years.
“I am not saying that because he is a good mate of mine. But from what I’ve seen, he has got everything. He can literally do anything on a football pitch, anything with the ball.”
Fredericks spent four seasons at West Ham with Rice from joining from Fulham as a free agent in 2018 to 2022 and joining Bournemouth as a free agent. Over the years, the pair played 67 games together. Fredericks has only played in more matches with five players.
Rice also featured as Fredericks made his debut for West Ham in a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool and in his last appearance in a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal. They will now battle for the bragging rights on Monday night in east London with Premier League positions up for grabs, as well.
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