West Ham have endured a turbulent campaign but one of the shining lights from their season has been the rise of 19-year-old Declan Rice, who has become a first-team regular and also earned an international debut with the Republic of Ireland.
A wealth of defensive injury problems have thrusted the teenager into the limelight this season but his calm and composed performances, particularly in the club’s current three-match unbeaten run, have left Rice looking like the figure to rebuild the defence around.
Whilst his meteoric rise onto the first-team may have seemed to come from nowhere for those away from West Ham, former defender Matthew Upson, who acted as a mentor to Rice last season, told the club’s official website he was unsurprised by his rise.
“Terry [Westley, Academy Manager] asked me to be Declan’s mentor last season and we worked together quite closely for a year. His progress has been rapid and one of the main reasons for that has been his attitude and character. That is what sets him apart.”
“Some people would say his progress has been unexpected from where he was two years ago but his application and attitude have been first class. He will listen, he wants to do well, he is eager for the next challenge – and he’s tough.”
“Declan is an amazing learner and that is why he has done so well. His attitude and character set him apart and he is a great example of a young player who has gone from where he was at a year ago, to being regularly involved in the first team.”
Rice has made 28 first-team appearances this season, the first of which came off the bench against Manchester United on the opening day of the campaign.
