Moyes claims West Ham’s Rice is ‘as good as’ any midfielder in England
West Ham United boss David Moyes believes Declan Rice is “as good as any midfielder in the country” at the moment.
Rice has been in superb form for the Hammers this season. He has helped them make a brilliant start to the 2021/22 campaign.
West Ham sit fourth in the Premier League after 15 games. They are two points clear of Tottenham, but their rivals have a game in hand.
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Moyes’ side have also booked their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League. Rice has been integral as he has been one of the standout players in England this term.
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from West ham in recent months.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, Moyes has suggested that Rice is “getting better”:
“I think I’ve said a couple of times that I do believe he is [the best in the country].
“He is young and improving and has been captain while Mark Noble isn’t starting.
“He is learning and getting better. I genuinely think he is as good as any midfield player in the country at this time.
“With him being young I can only see him continuing to improve. Declan is a great boy to work with, really committed. He is part of the different mentality we have around West Ham, we are determined to challenge the teams and be committed against them.
“He is playing really well for England too.”
Speaking last week, Hammers legend Tony Cottee predicted that Rice will eventually join Chelsea:
“If Declan was to decide to leave, I think he’ll go to Chelsea,” Cottee said.
“And the reason for that is he was at Chelsea as a kid. He is best friends with Mason Mount, and he’s grew up with all the young kids at the club.
“You know, Tammy Abraham, he’s in Italy now, but he grew up with him and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Reece James.
“All those young boys that are playing so well for Chelsea, Declan is friends with them. I don’t want him to leave, but if he was leaving, I think most of the West Ham fans wouldn’t begrudge the guy going to Chelsea. Because we all know that he was there as a kid.
“I haven’t even mentioned Liverpool. I mean, I don’t know whether they would be interested, but you know it’s Chelsea for me.”
