Roy Keane has claimed that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is better than he was at the same age.
At only 22, Rice is one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
Not only is he a powerful and tough-tackling presence, but the West Ham gem can also play a bit as he demonstrated with a wonderful solo goal in Europa League action on Thursday night.
And Manchester United icon Keane has told Sky Sports today that he wasn’t as good as the England international is now when he was also 22.
He said: “I think Declan’s improved as much as any player over the last one or two seasons. I look to where I was when I was 22. I think he’s way ahead of me when I was 22.”
Exciting
This is a very exciting claim by Keane, it has to be said.
That’s because the iconic Republic of Ireland captain was one of the Premier League’s best and most decorated players during his time.
And the idea that Rice – who earns £60,000 per week at West Ham – could reach that level at some point in the future is quite exciting from a Hammers perspective.
Of course, it must be noted that Keane didn’t say that Rice would be as good.
But if the Irishman feels that the Irons powerhouse is more advanced a footballer than him at the same age, logically it would suggest that he feels Rice can get there.
The East Londoners lost 2-1 to the Red Devils this afternoon, with former West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard netting an 88th-minute winner.
David Moyes’s side could and should have struck a last-gasp equaliser from the penalty spot, but Mark Noble, who was brought on especially for the spot-kick, saw it saved by David de Gea.
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