Jamie Redknapp has hailed defender Declan Rice as a “fantastic young talent” after the draw against Manchester United and feels he can go on to greatness with them.
The centre-back helped the Hammers record a goalless draw against Man United on Thursday night and has become a regular feature in the back three.
He has now made 28 senior appearances this term and is largely adored by supporters after breaking through the club’s academy.
Redknapp has tipped Rice to go on to emulate club captain Mark Noble if nurtured properly and was full of praise for him.
“I think Declan Rice at 19 is a fantastic young talent and the sort of player that could be the Mark Noble of the future for this club if they look after him,” Redknapp said during the televised coverage of West Ham v Man United on Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (9:55pm, Thursday 10 May).
“To be playing in that position and player with such an assurance for a young man, I’ve been impressed with him.”
OPINION
Rice once again proved against Man United that he is mature beyond his years and is good enough to be a regular starter. The Irish defender deserves the opportunity to be in the starting XI going into next campaign and looks right at home as part of a back three. He is comfortable in possession and supporters are always keen for their youth products to make a serious impact in the first team. Rice has a defensive instinct to sniff out danger and is proving himself against top Premier League opposition. The teenager is of course going to have the odd mistake to his game due to inexperience, but he is improving on a weekly basis and the Hammers have a real star in the making in their ranks. Defensive partner Angelo Ogbonna is an unsung hero in the West Ham side and his influence as the more senior professional alongside him can’t be underestimated.
