The West Ham United teenager has been in superb form this season.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini spoke to reporters after his side’s fine 2-1 win away at Southampton last night, and took time to praise Declan Rice, suggesting that the youngster has a really bright future ahead of him, as quoted by Football.London.
The Hammers have been in excellent form recently, winning five of their last six games, and they currently sit in ninth spot in the Premier League table, just one point adrift of seventh placed Leicester City.
And Rice has played a key role for West Ham this season.
He has made the defensive midfield position his own, displaying quality and a certain level of maturity that defies his tender years.
It will be a huge worry for Hammers fans, therefore, that Rice’s contract is due to expire in the summer, and they will be praying that he is tied down to a new long-term deal as soon as possible.
Pellegrini spoke to reporters last night, and raved about the 19-year-old, as quoted by Football.London:
“I see Declan work every day and it is difficult for me to be surprised with him now. He always wants to learn more, he didn’t have any problems, he was just focusing on playing. Then the media started about his contract and his money but he never had any problem in that sense, he was always working hard and he is just 19 years old, he has got such a bright future ahead of him.”
Next up for West Ham is a trip to Burnley on Sunday, and Rice will have to be at his very best once again, if Pellegrini’s men are to return to east London with maximum points.
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