West Ham star says 28-cap ace has topped Payet as ‘best player’ he has played with

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West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell has said Declan Rice is the best player he has ever played with, beating former Hammers superstar Dimitri Payet.

In an interview with the Times, the 32-year-old left-back confessed that he is confident his West Ham teammate is the best in the world in his position, with Cresswell also predicting Rice having all the qualities to become one of the top players in world football.

Rice has elevated his game with West Ham this season to a whole new level, with the England international bagging four goals and four assists in all competitions and taking the armband for the majority of the campaign.

Indeed, a summer move is being touted for the midfielder, who has made 28 caps for England. And for Cresswell, Rice has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in world football in the coming years.

Cresswell said: “In the past, I said Dimitri Payet is the best I’ve ever played with but given his progression, it’s probably Dec now. I’m not saying it because he’s at West Ham: I believe he’s the best in his position in the world.

The defender added: “Some might disagree, but from what I see, day to day and in games, over the last two years he’s kicked on another level. You look at the way he is for England, he’s so athletic, he’s got absolutely everything to be world-class, and I believe he already is.”

Rice topping Payet shows how far West Ham superstar can go

Rice has been nothing short of a sensation for the Hammers in the past 12 months, with the 23-year-old making incredible steps in becoming one of the best midfielders in football and a West Ham legend if he remains in east London.

And the midfielder topping Payet in Cresswell’s personal opinion is a testament to how far Rice can go in his career, with the England star on course to become a world-class player for both club and country.