West Ham’s season is hanging rather precariously in the balance, after a fast start to the campaign. For now, Manuel Pellegrini remains in charge of the club, but the one player who the Hammers must ensure retains his place at the London Stadium, at the very least until the end of the season, is Declan Rice.
The England international made his breakthrough last season playing 34 times in the Premier League, all of which were starts. And even at just 20-years-old, he has become a frighteningly valuable asset for the London club, especially considering the downturn in results this season. Throughout the dismal spell, Rice has remained professional, with his work rate never once coming into question. In fact, his tackling stats are up, albeit very marginally, but the midfielder’s interceptions have skyrocketed, as his experience has allowed him to read the game more effectively.
Despite West Ham’s poor fortunes, Rice is still averaging the same number of key passes for his teammates, while his average number of passes and the accuracy of them has improved. While others around the England international have not been up to par Rice has made sure his performance has not dipped as he attempts to cement his place in the England squad for the 2020 European Championships.
While attacking is not a vital element of Rice’s game, that area of his abilities has also improved, he is dribbling around opponents 0.5 times more often per match that during the previous campaign. Considering he has had a lot more defending to be doing of late, it is impressive he has still managed to fire off the same number of shots as last season too.
When sides are threatened with relegation, it takes a very strong mentality not to let your performances drop, and Rice has displayed a sense of resolute mental strength in spite of the Hammers plight and consequent bid to remain a Premier League side. One player who has been doing it his entire career for West Ham is midfield partner Mark Noble.
Currently, Rice is in line to take the throne off his teammate when the 32-year-old hangs up his boots, but it will be crucial for the East London outfit that they are able to retain the 20-year-old’s services if and when Noble does depart the London Stadium.
