The Hammers defensive midfielder recently signed a new deal until 2024 and also scored his first club goal, against Arsenal.
Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that West Ham United ace Declan Rice is improving day by day and could go on to become a top player.
The 20-year-old has made 19 appearances in the Premier League for the Hammers so far this season, scoring one goal in the process, according to WhoScored.
For months there was anxiety around whether Rice would commit his future to West Ham, but speculation was put to bed at the end of last year with a new contract until 2024, as reported by the official club website.
Rice’s birthday was on Monday, just two days after he claimed his first ever Hammers goal, scoring the winner in the 48th minute of the 1-0 triumph over Arsenal at the London Stadium – their first home win over the Gunners in 13 years.
Already the defensive midfielder has been hailed by teammates such as Michail Antonio and pundits like Jamie Redknapp, but now the Hammers boss himself has issued a glowing appraisal of his talented player.
Pellegrini told the official Hammers website: “[Rice] is a player who will continue improving. He is just 20 years old so he has a lot more years to continue growing as a player. I’m sure he will be a top player.
“I think he can play in both positions, maybe in the way he plays more as a midfielder he will have the best view of the pitch, but I repeat that he is improving each day so he can play without any problems at centre-back too.”
Rice burst onto the scene in 2017-18, first under Slaven Bilic and later under David Moyes, making 31 appearances in a variety of defensive and midfield positions and even being called up by the Republic of Ireland, though at present he is deciding whether to opt for them or England.
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