Declan Rice is an important player for West Ham United.
The former West Ham United central defender made the comments in response to a suggestion from Gary Lineker about Rice potentially replacing 33-year-old Brazil international defensive midfielder Fernandinho at City in the long run.
The Tottenham legend was the host of BT Sport 2’s pre-game show ahead of the Champions League game between City and Schalke this evening, and the panel was discussing potential replacements for Fernandinho.
Lineker asked Ferdinand during the chat whether Rice, who can operate as a central defender or as defensive midfielder, would be a good long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
The former Leeds United and Manchester United centre-back suggested that it is too early for Rice to move to City.
The 20-year-old has made 27 appearances in the Premier League for West Ham so far this season, scoring two goals in the process, according to WhoScored.
Ferdinand sad on BT Sport 2 on Tuesday evening (7:35pm, March 12, 2019): “Rice is similar to Fernandinho. I think Rice needs that experience a bit more.
“The way that Pep plays, Rice could fit into that at some point, but right now I think maybe it is too soon.”
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