Declan Rice has become a regular for both West Ham United and England in the middle of the park during these past 12 months.
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has admitted that he was been watching Manchester City duo Rodri and Fernandinho in a bid to improve his game.
Added with those two, the Hammers’ star man also shared that he’s also been studying the game of the now-retired Michael Carrick and Barcelona stalwart Sergio Busquets.
All four players have either been there and done it, whilst a player like Rodri is hoping to prove his worth in England’s top-flight this season. – the Premier League champions paid Atletico Madrid £63m for his services this summer [The Guardian].
Speaking on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports Premier League (16/09/2019), Rice shared what steps he has been taking in order to take his game to the next level.
“I still think I need to improve a lot,” Rice told MNF. “I am still only 20-years-old. As a holding midfielder, I still have so much to learn.
“I try to watch the top players. The likes of Rodri, Fernandinho, Carrick back in his day, Busquets and trying to pick out little things from their game. See how they play it.
“But for me, I need to keep my head down and keep working hard. I have a manager that believes in me and I just need to keep playing my football. Like I said with England, I have played the last two games, I am really happy in there as the holding midfielder and I am striving to play in the Euro’s.”
On Monday night, Rice helped West Ham secure a clean sheet at Aston Villa, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side going down to 10 men in the second half.
Despite having that disadvantage, West Ham were by the far the better team, with both teams struggling to prove their worth in the attacking third.
But it was Rice who probably shone above everyone on the night as he showcased his worth in the defensive half and ensured his back four were not troubled.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
