West Ham United started their 2018/19 Premier League campaign on a lowly note, with only one win in their first five matches. However, things began to fall in place for the Hammers as they clinched crucial points from their next few games. The east London side have managed to dominate the proceedings in their last four matches and have won all four to progress to the 9th spot in the Premier League table.
All the players have made contributions towards the success of their side but one player, in particular, has been the pinnacle of consistency throughout the season so far. He has shown his versatility and composure to guide his side towards victory by merely doing the basic things correctly.
We are talking about the Young Irish midfielder Declan Rice. He started off as a centre back in the West Ham United ranks, and become an essential component in Manuel Pellegrini’s lineup. Rice has marshalled the midfield with his dominating displays recently.
The 19-year-old was deployed as a defensive midfielder in the early stages of the season, but in the last few matches, Pellegrini has shown more confidence in him and used him as a central midfield option alongside the experienced Mark Noble. The Irishman has not disappointed his manager and dished out one inspiring performance after another and has held the midfield together in absence of players like Jack Wilshere and Manuel Lanzini.
Rice has been playing continuously for the last 13 matches in the Premier League and has shown no signs of tiredness so far. He has been strong and agile at the same time, making tackles and snatching balls from the opposition players and passing them into the path of his teammates to build the attack from the midfield.
It goes without saying that given his brilliant performances, the bigger clubs from England and Europe would have their eyes on the West Ham midfield ace and there might be a bidding war starting very soon involving Rice.
However, the Hammers should not let their prized asset leave under any circumstances and instead look to tie him down with a new improved contract, with the current one expiring at the end of this season. West Ham United really needs to get on this pronto and get it done.
