Jamie Redknapp claims that West Ham United’s Declan Rice has the potential to have a similar impact in the Premier League as John Terry.
Jamie Redknapp has written in The Daily Mail that West Ham United could have the next John Terry in the form of Declan Rice, but believes the Irons could struggle to keep him this summer.
The 19-year-old defender won rave reviews for his performance in West Ham’s 3-0 demolition of Southampton on Saturday.
Rice’s stock is growing rapidly after the youngster made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-0 friendly defeat by Turkey during the recent international break.
The London-born utility man, who can also play central midfield, left Chelsea to join West Ham in 2014.
But Redknapp believes that he could go on to emulate one iconic figure at his former club – Terry.
“This kid is the next John Terry. At 19 he plays with maturity, is unbelievably brave and comfortable on the ball,” he wrote for The Daily Mail.
“Rice capped a fine week, in which he was man of the match on his Republic of Ireland debut against Turkey, with an assured display against Southampton.
“This summer I have little doubt that West Ham will be fighting off bids for their young star.”
Rice is certainly an exciting prospect and surely West Ham will struggle to keep him if they go down, but David Moyes’s side are now five points clear of the relegation zone and should preserve their Premier League status.
He is contracted to the East London club until 2019, but United will be desperate to extend that as soon as possible.
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