Richard Dunne suggests midfield role for West Ham United’s Declan Rice

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Declan Rice was in action for West Ham United at the weekend.

Richard Dunne has suggested to The Irish Examiner that West Ham United youngster Declan Rice’s position for the Republic of Ireland international should be in midfield.

Rice is a very talented and versatile footballer who can operate as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder.

The 19-year-old was deployed in a central midfield role by West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League this past weekend.

The Republic of Ireland international had a disappointing time against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, as the Hammers suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat.

Former Everton and Republic of Ireland international central defender believes that Rice is better off in a midfield role for his country despite his ability to play at the back.

Dunne told The Irish Examiner about Rice: “He’s got the energy, he’s got the skill and I thought he showed how much he has to offer us when he was pushed up against Turkey.

“He can play all over but I think, really, it would be best for Ireland to utilise him there because he can stride forward and pick out a good pass and still help with his defensive attributes.”

In midfield or at the back?

Rice is only 19 years of age, which means that there is still time for him to find a settled position for himself.

The youngster has done well both in central defender and in defensive midfield, and it will be interesting to see how West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini utilises him as the season progress.