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‘The leader of the team’: Frank Lampard hails West Ham 22-year-old and makes Europe claim

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Declan Rice
Photo by John Sibley – Pool/Getty Images

Frank Lampard has claimed that Declan Rice is proving to be ‘the leader of the team’ at West Ham, as posted by HaytersTV.

The Hammers are also preparing for a European campaign and Lampard thinks they can have a ‘really good run’ next season.

David Moyes blew expectations out of the water last season by guiding the London club to a top-six finish – at one point, they were in with a real fight for the Champions League places.

But ahead of the new Premier League season, Lampard is backing his former club to do the business again, as he praised Rice.

“I can (see them having a good season),” said Lampard. “I think they have a really good manager. David Moyes is really experienced and he’s now getting credit for the job that he’s doing.

“They have a good squad of players, which seems they will keep and add to slightly. We will see for the rest of the window.

“Declan Rice has come through as an emerging talent. He seems, to me, the leader of the team. Real character in the middle of the team.

“They are a strong side. I think they will do well in the league again and I think the Europa League, it’s up to them, I think they could have a really good run.”

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Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Like many England players, Rice heads into the new campaign full of belief and confidence after a successful run at Euro 2020.

The 22-year-old was one of the standout performers for Gareth Southgate’s side, who were beaten right at the death to Italy in the final.

But Rice’s reputation sky-rocketed, alongside a number of his teammates, including Kalvin Phillips.

Some would have questioned whether they could play alongside each other, but they proved many wrong this summer.