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At the start of the season, there were several West Ham prospects we hoped would muscle their way into the first team. Reece Oxford, Toni Martinez and Nathan Holland all attracted strong expectations, but few thought Declan Rice would be so firmly entrenched in the team at this crucial stage of the season.
Moyes showed great faith in the 19-year-old by placing him in central defence for the must-win relegation battle with Southampton. Rice was exceptional, making 3 tackles, 3 clearances and crucially blocking 2 shots, instrumental to West Ham’s first clean sheet since February.
nothing better than that winning feeling❤ massive performance from everyone & massive thank you to the fans who gave us that extra boost!! We keep going ⚒ #COYI pic.twitter.com/nuHpdFBoAL
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) March 31, 2018
Rice has made 20 appearances this season, Hammers fans have seen a great development over the season. There were a few early mistakes, as is natural, but fans have mostly been patient with Rice’s development.
Declan Rice is 18 years old. He just played against two of the best strikers in the world and a team that scores over 3 goals per game on average, and had the ball for 80% of the game. Was solid for the most part and made 1-2 mistakes. Get off his back ffs.
— West Ham News (@whufc_news) December 3, 2017
Rice recently made his first international appearance, a man of the match performance at the heart of the Republic of Ireland’s defence against Turkey.
Wasn't the result we wanted tonight.. but on a personal level delighted to have picked up man of the match on my debut ☘️. Very proud moment for me & my family. Big love to my dad who came all the way out to come and watch, love you❤ #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/Ic8S9epKBi
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) March 23, 2018
It now seems like the secret is out and the big clubs might start circling in the summer. Jamie Redknapp recently compared Rice to John Terry:
“This kid is the next John Terry. At 19 he plays with maturity, is unbelievably brave and comfortable on the ball,”
”Rice capped a fine week, in which he was man of the match on his Republic of Ireland debut against Turkey, with an assured display against Southampton.
”This summer I have little doubt that West Ham will be fighting off bids for their young star.”
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Fortunately for West Ham, the club are looking to reward the youngster with a new contract in the summer. Reportedly this new deal could increase his current wages ten-fold, his current deal is worth £2,500 per week and expires in 2020.
Rice’s stock has risen throughout the season but in the last couple of months we have seen a vast improvement and it feels like an exciting future is on the horizon.
Declan Rice is just unreal. Better than Jon Stones and he went for £50m so how much is he worth?! The lad is going far.
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) March 31, 2018
So many brilliant performances today, but my stand out players were Declan Rice, Marko Arnautovic, Arthur Masuaku and Edi Fernandes.
— West Ham Fan Zone (@WHUFCFZ) March 31, 2018
Absolutely brilliant.
Now that West Ham’s Premier League status is more secure, we can cast an eye towards next season. Rice anchoring the defence with Reece Oxford is a very exciting prospect. The Academy of Football has roared back to life.