Declan Rice has become an unlikely mainstay in the West Ham team this season as he holds down the defensive midfield spot with regularity – the Irishman has been a standout performer amidst a devastating injury crisis that has seen Manuel Pellegrini’s squad drop like flies.
Pellegrini’s project has been hit with a string of setbacks that include the loss of five of his summer signings to the treatment table, including Jack Wilshere and Andriy Yarmolenko, but, nevertheless, the Argentine is still picking up the results with the resources remaining available to him and deserves enormous credit for what he’s done with Rice, in particular.
Formerly a centre-back, the 19-year-old has been pushed further upfield by Pellegrini and has become one of the best, young midfielders in the league as he protects the back four expertly, as opposed to being part of it.
The number 41 was immense against Southampton on Thursday as he completed 2 tackles and a whopping 6 dribbles and, after he penned a new long-term deal on Friday, Hammers fans cannot wait for more from the tough tackler.
You can find the best of their reaction on Twitter below…
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