England has been engulfed in a Declan Rice love-in after the West Ham man played a crucial part in their 2-1 victory over Southampton last night with Liverpool legend Ian Rush the latest to hail the 19-year-old.
The Hammers moved to ninth in the Premier League table after another expert performance from Rice. It comes despite numerous possible distractions including an ongoing contract negotiation saga and uncertainty over his international future.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed Rice's ability to remained focused with on-field matters.
He always wants to learn more, he hasn’t had any problems, he has just been focusing on playing. Then the media started about his contract and his money, but he has never had any problem in that sense. He is always, always working hard and he is just 19 years old.
He’s a player who always wants to learn more, and he has got such a bright future ahead of him.
what that meant today🙌❤️. Massive 3 points.. fans were incredible👏! #COYI pic.twitter.com/UiTq0RwTfV
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) December 27, 2018
First time I’ve seen Declan Rice live. Composed & classy. Is he really only 19??
— Ed Chamberlin (@chamberlinsport) December 27, 2018
Declan Rice is so classy on the pitch. Whether your happy with him taking his time on who he alliances with or not, it has to be said it would be huge for us on the pitch if he declares. #COYBIG #DECLANRICE #SOUWHU
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) December 27, 2018
At 19 @_DeclanRice is easily up there in the top 3 young players in the Premier League. A monumental player for West Ham and if he keeps on going the way he is, one destined for the very top.
— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) December 27, 2018
Meanwhile, speaking on beIN Sports, Ian Rush compared Rice to England international John Stones.
"He reminds me of John Stones, when he was Everton.
"I think Rice is a better player, at that age. Whether England or Ireland, it's up to him to decide. He has come on a lot. For me, he's a centre-back. He can play the holding midfield role as well. To be at his best, for me he's a ball-playing centre-half."
Better than John Stones - Declan Rice tipped for the top by @Ian_Rush9 & @GKPaulRobinson!#beINPL #SOUWHU ? HD11 pic.twitter.com/V8MBJuNO8d
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 27, 2018
it comes after Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy said last week that he had a positive meeting with Declan Rice and his father, Sean, about the possibility of the West Ham player continuing to play for the Republic of Ireland.
