West Ham Under 23 coach Terry Westley believes that centre back Declan Rice will go far in the professional game after seeing him in action this season.
The 18 year old captained the Under 23s to promotion to Premier League 2’s first division after a 3-1 win over Newcastle last night. Westley told the club’s official website.
“Declan Rice is an immense captain and an immense leader and he’s going to have a huge future in the game, that I am sure about. He is possibly the best player in this league this year.”
Rice signed a new deal only back in March which will keep him at the club until 2020. He has been an ever present in the Under 23 setup this campaign having played 20 Premier League 2 games.
He also featured in the EFL Trophy, starting two group stage games against Coventry City and Northampton Town. Senior manager Slaven Bilic has also recognised the defender’s talent by picking him for the bench on five occasions this season. He has yet to make his senior debut for West Ham but he was an unused substitute for the the Hammers’ 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
