‘Crying out for it’ – pundit predicts major role change for West Ham star in years to come
Danny Murphy reckons Declan Rice is a better player when pushed into a more advanced midfield role and can see him making the position his own in the years to come.
The West Ham skipper was at his inspirational best on Saturday as the Hammers stayed alive – by the skin of their teeth – in the FA Cup tie at Kidderminster. Rice, who stepped off the bench at the start of the second half, was a key figure as David Moyes’ side progressed.
First, he netted a sublime equaliser, then played a leading role in their last-gasp winner.
As one of Gareth Southgate’s most important England stars, Rice is on the wish list of top Premier League clubs Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea. They’re all considering making an offer for him in the summer transfer window.
However, Moyes is determined to make the 23-year-old a Hammers leader and legend. As per the Evening Standard, he wants him to become their Tony Adams or Roy Keane.
And as he keeps improving, his boss wants him to stay more and more.
“You’ll need humongous money to get close,” Moyes said in his press conference on Friday.
“I said in the summer that I thought Declan Rice was £100m. That was the sales, that was cheap, that was your chance to get Declan Rice cheap.
“He’s like a special edition. For me, he’s probably the best midfield player in Europe.
“He’s here for certainly a few years. He’s under contract and we are pleased to have him.”
Murphy impressed with Declan Rice
His performance off the bench at Aggborough certainly drew warm applause too from Match of the Day pundit Murphy.
Playing in a more advanced midfield role in the game, Murphy was impressed with the way Rice single-handedly carried West Ham through.
Time and again, Rice carried the ball deep into their opponents’ half. His penetrating runs also caused them plenty of problems and also set up numerous attacks.
As such, Murphy can see him playing in an advanced role more often.
“It was crying out for him [Rice], they missed him and Soucek. He started them both on the bench but Declan came on and showed his presence alone.
Rice ‘more of an 8 than a 6’
“His assertiveness on the ball, the way he carried the ball forward. He was trying to make things happen and didn’t mind making mistakes. It didn’t all come off for him, but everything West Ham did positively in the second half was because of him.
“I think this is a role over the next couple of years we’re going to see him grow into.
“More of an 8 than a 6, somebody who can surge forward, use his athleticism, use his quick feet. I think he’s more skilful and technically gifted than people give him credit for. Breezing past people.
“With this type of quality, it would be a waste to see someone of this quality playing in a holding role when he has these types of attributes. What a finish.
“If it wasn’t for Declan Rice, West Ham would be out of the cup.”
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