In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League keeper Paul Robinson was full of praise for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. Robinson said, “Rice is up there as the best all-round midfielder in the Premier League on current form. He is playing in a team that is flying right now.
“I think the partnership with him and Kalvin Phillips with England is fantastic.
“I know Rice is still very young but he is proven now. This season he has taken on responsibility at both ends of the pitch.
“He has always been great at sitting in front of the back four and protecting the defence. But, this season he has shown he has a lot more to his game.
“He is a destroyer but he is also now a goal threat and a creator. His vision for a through ball is amazing. He has shown that he can be devastating higher up the pitch as well as in a deep-lying role.”
Rice’s Impressive Run Of Form At The London Stadium
At the moment, Rice is playing at a very high level and has excelled as West Ham’s captain under the stewardship of David Moyes. The 22-year-old has found the back of the net on three occasions and picked up three assists in 13 matches for the Hammers this season across all fronts.
The London-born sensation has made a positive impact at both ends of the field as he is averaging 2.5 tackles, 2.0 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.7 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 91.8% in league football (stats via whoscored).
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Can Rice Keep His Good Form Going For West Ham United?
Rice is a multi-purpose midfielder who can get the best out of his teammates around him. He is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to make some important interceptions for his team.
The English midfield ace can offer decent protection for his backline and is even an excellent passer from midfield. He has added a handful of goals and assists to his game of late which has raised his stock even further in English football.
With some tough Premier League matches coming up against Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City this month, Rice would need to be at the top of his game if West Ham are to make a push for a top-four place this season. If the Hammers star continues to excel at the heart of David Moyes’ midfield, there is no reason why he can’t keep his good form going in English football.
