Rice has been in excellent form for West Ham this season.
Tony Cottee has told TalkSPORT that Declan Rice has all it takes to replace Mark Noble as West Ham United’s captain in years to come, with Noble now in the twilight of his career.
Noble turns 32 at the end of the season and although he has signed an extension to remain at the London Stadium until the summer of 2021, he will have to be replaced eventually.
The West Ham academy product has managed an enormous 453 appearances in all competitions for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, and continues to add to that as he remains first choice with the Hammers.
But when he eventually retires or is sold by West Ham, Hammers legend Cottee reckons Rice has got what it takes to replace Noble as captain – describing the versatile midfielder as “fantastic”.
“Declan is a fantastic player,” Cottee said. “I’ve met him and he seems like a really nice lad and one that really cares about the football club.
“With Mark Noble in the twilight years of his career, there’s going to be a gap to fill as a player who is a West Ham man and can go on to captain the side. He’s a player that can step up to that role in years to come.”
Rice, 20, has been one of the first names on the West Ham team sheet this season, clocking up 56 appearances in all competitions since his debut last season.
He even scored his first goal for the club in the 1-0 win over Arsenal earlier this month, and has signed a new deal with the club that will see him remain with West Ham until the summer of 2024.
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