Nikola Vlasic has hailed Declan Rice as an ‘unbelievable’ talent, after the England midfielder blew him away following the Croatian’s transfer to West Ham United from CSKA Moscow.
Vlasic joined the Irons for an initial £27m this August, in a deal that could reach £35m with future add-ons. He is yet to forge a prominent role in David Moyes’ plans with three starts over six appearances from a possible eight across all competitions so far.
Rice has been on the field for 238 of Vlasic’s 259-minutes in a West Ham shirt so far in his Irons career. The Hammers have also won three, drawn once and only lost once when the pair have both featured so far.
Vlasic already considered Rice as a top player before moving to east London and becoming his West Ham teammate. But the 24-year-old also questioned parts of the Irons product’s game from watching Rice on TV. Doubts the England international has since obliterated.
“Probably Rice,” Vlasic said, via football.london, when asked who has impressed him the most. “When I talked with my friends, I knew he was a good player. But when I watched TV, I thought: ‘Okay, he is a defensive midfield player and maybe he is not that quick or fast’.
“Maybe that is a minus for him, but he is so fast and so quick. And even with the ball this season, I think he is much better and improved in attack. He is unbelievable for me, he has impressed me the most.”
Rice and Vlasic to extend West Ham record vs Genk?
Moyes will hope Rice and Vlasic extend their record together when West Ham host Genk on Thursday, should both feature. The Hammers are yet to drop any points in the Europa League group stage, and can give themselves a great chance of reaching the Round of 32.
They are the only unbeaten side remaining in Group H and hold a three-point advantage on Genk and Dinamo Zagreb. The Irons are also yet to concede in the group stage after their first two fixtures to four goals scored.
Rice recorded West Ham’s second Europa League goal against Dinamo Zagreb, while Vlasic is yet to score in any competition. The Croatian is also yet to provide any assist over his six Hammers appearances, starting three, so far.
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