“On a different planet”: £12m West Ham man stunned by “joke” teammate in training at Rush Green

Follow us on Google Discover

Flynn Downes has been speaking to the Evening Standard about life at West Ham, where Declan Rice has left him very impressed.

What’s the story?

Well, the 23-year-old joined West Ham back in July, after the east Londoners agreed a £12m fee with Swansea.

The Hammers actually hijacked Crystal Palace’s agreement for Downes, as the midfielder himself admits.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the England Under-20 international said: “I went to sleep thinking I was going to do a medical at Crystal Palace.”

Now, after just a few weeks in east London, Downes has already waxed lyrical about Rice.

The West Ham No.12 has been left stunned by the England international’s ability, and described his teammate’s talent as an “absolute joke” – he isn’t wrong.

Downes said: “Even in training, I just love training on his team. I’m just trying to learn from him. He’s on a different planet.”

It feels weird to say, but Downes is actually older than Rice – by a matter of six days.

That just goes to show how much the West Ham No.41 has achieved in such a short space of time.

With all due respect, while Downes has been playing for Ipswich and Swansea, Rice has been playing European football, while also starring for England at a major tournament – the experience he has gained is invaluable.

West Ham could receive record sum for Declan Rice

David Moyes has already claimed that he wouldn’t sell Rice for less than £150m – however, the way things are going in the market, the Scot may need to increase that number soon.

Yesterday, Nottingham Forest signed Morgan Gibbs-White for a sum of £45m – a man who is yet to play for England, while also making just 48 Premier League appearances.

In contrast, Rice has made 169 Premier League appearances, and has won 32 caps for England, so realistically, West Ham could probably receive more than £150m for their academy graduate.

Ultimately, the Hammers must be careful when it comes to protecting his value, with the defensive midfielder’s contract set to expire in less than 24 months.