West Ham United were under the pump in the January transfer window as they were fighting to keep hold of Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian is considered as one of the most important players in the Hammers lineup, and the East London outfit even went on to give him a new deal.
However, the club were held hostage by the player, and there is still no guarantee that the forward would stay at the London Stadium beyond this season. Amongst all this, the club pulled off a massive coup just a few days before the transfer window opened. They secured (Independent) the future of Declan Rice as the young midfielder went on to sign a contract up until 2024.
The midfielder was outstanding in yesterday night’s match against Liverpool as the Hammers held on to a draw (or many would opine that Liverpool held West Ham to a draw). In our opinion, Rice was the best midfielder on the pitch from both the sides as he played the defensive midfielder’s role to perfection.
What makes him even better is that Rice started out as a centre back, but it is clear that he can play further up the pitch given the quality he has on the ball. The Hammers needed a midfielder to play that defensive midfield position as they had sold Cheikhou Kouyate in the summer. Rice has taken to this new role like fish to water, and it seems like the player has been playing the defensive midfield position throughout his life.
Given that he has come through the Hammers academy, there is no doubt that he is being seen as a future captain of the club if he continues to stay with the London based team. The midfielder was targetted (Daily Star) by Premier League heavyweights Manchester United not too long ago, and that is a testament to his ability and talent.
The 20-year-old reads the situation well and is crisp and decisive in his challenges. To go with that, he exudes calmness on the ball, and he was the reason why the Hammers were able to enjoy some good moments against Liverpool on the counter-attack.
Therefore signing him up until 2024 is a major success for the club and Pellegrini can look to build his midfield around him. Not to forget, the Irish international can also play in the heart of the defence without any second thoughts. Such is his quality that England manager Gareth Southgate had held a conversation (Sky Sports) with the 20-year-old midfielder to change his international allegiance. The Hammers have a true gem on their hands, and he could be a talismanic midfielder for years to come at the London Stadium.
