David Moyes feels Mark Noble has epitomised West Ham United during his years of service and believes ‘superstar’ Declan Rice is now the standard-bearer, via the Irons’ club website.
Noble is nearing the end of his London Stadium playing days, with the midfielder retiring in the summer. The 2021/22 season will bring the curtain down on the 34-year-old’s 18-year first-team career. But talks are already underway over an executive role, per the Daily Mail.
Moyes appreciates everything Noble has given the Hammers, both on and off the pitch, in east London. Now, he believes Rice is making strides in taking up the mantle, both for the Irons and England, and sets the standard for what he wants from those in claret-and-blue.
“Noble has epitomised West Ham with what he has done for this club,” Moyes said. “He’s so good in the dressing room and round the other players. He’s great for me as a manager and he’s also good for me round the football club.
“I’m really fortunate I’ve got another superstar in Declan Rice, as well, who, not only for West Ham but for England, has made great strides and epitomises everything I want from a West Ham player.”
Declan Rice ‘epitomises everything’ David Moyes wants at West Ham
Moyes sang Noble and Rice’s praises after the latter won the 2022 Premier League Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards. Rice’s gong follows winning the Young Player of the Year award in 2019 – the year in which he would make his England debut.
Rice has now amassed 27-caps under Gareth Southgate and made all Three Lions squads until last November. He sat out World Cup qualifiers with Albania and San Marino after withdrawing from the England squad as illness prevented the midfielder from training.
The 23-year-old is also a mainstay at the London Stadium with 26 appearances from 27 Premier League games this season. Moyes has only been without Rice this term against Watford in December after the Irons product accumulated five yellow cards in 18 games.
Noble instead captained West Ham against Watford in his only top-flight start this term. Rice has worn the armband in all 26 of his outings as Moyes’ on-field standard-bearer.
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