Declan Rice has waxed-lyrical about Leeds United fans at Elland Road and how he has ‘never seen anything like it before’ when travelling with West Ham.
The West Ham midfielder added that places like Leeds and Everton are ‘such tough grounds’ and the crowd really get behind the team, as he told Tubes and Ange’s Golf Life.
Whilst Leeds are heading into their third season back in the Premier League, it was only the last campaign when fans were allowed back into grounds following the pandemic – their first season back was played behind closed doors, so players couldn’t experience playing in front of a full crowd in Yorkshire.
It was the first time in nearly two decades the Leeds faithful were able to pack out Elland Road for a top-flight encounter and they made themselves known, despite their struggles on the pitch.
When the Hammers travelled to Leeds last season, despite Raphinha opening the scoring, Michail Antonio scored a stoppage-time winner during a hotly-contested encounter.
And Rice shared what it’s like going to away games, getting stick from fans, as he spoke highly of Leeds fans.
“Going to grounds such as Leeds and Everton last year, they are such tough grounds,” said Rice. “And their players are strong men.
“Then the crowd (get behind them). I feel like going to grounds and it’s a tough stadium.
“Like Leeds, I have never seen anything like it. It’s proper. I love it. I love getting stick from opposition fans. I am buzzing off it.”
LEEDS FANS AND RICE
Places like Elland Road have always been hostile places to visit, if you’re not liked, then the fans will more than make sure you know about it.
A certain Jack Grealish has found that out when visiting in Aston Villa colours and now for the Premier League champions, Manchester City.
The only issue for Leeds is that, for the opposition, it could become a very difficult place to play, but not if things aren’t going well for the home team.
That was the case on a number of occasions last season, with the pressure of the Leeds faithful, added to the club’s abject form and injuries just hitting them hard every week.
But, in the end, stoppage-time wins, such as the one against Norwich City, all played a part in the Whites securing survival on the last day of the Premier League season.
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