OPINION
West Ham defender Declan Rice has already shone brighter than many expected after his antics in the 2017/18 season and yet he continues to progress at an impressive rate.
The blindingly bright Hammers talent may have only been participating in a friendly match against France for the Republic of Ireland on Monday, but his performance deserves having a spotlight thrust upon it.
Rice was utilised as a defensive midfielder, a position he has only played in seven times for the Hammers, and looked able to cope with world-class opponents more often than not.
The 19-year-old was able to effectively tick off another box on his development as he was able to prove that he could cope with the likes of Lyon’s Nabil Fekir and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe despite their immense quality.
While his nation may have slipped to a 2-0 defeat, it wasn’t down to Rice’s participation in the game as he oozed maturity in an unfamiliar role that few do in their natural position.
Of course there were moments the teen could have done better in the game but if you were to guess his level of experience, you would have suggested that he had featured in the Premier League more than the 27 times he actually has.
The teen’s immediate future at the London Stadium may see him be a lock at centre-back but after seeing his potential in midfield, Manuel Pellegrini must be aware he has options when it comes to Rice.
The teen proved with his latest display that he is a fresh option for the new boss to regularly take in midfield, as he has only dabbled there in the past, without the manager splashing the cash on a new recruit, as he ticked off another box by performing so well against such talented opposition.
Rice proved on Monday night that his talent paints a sparkling picture of the Hammers’ future as not only is he able to excel in one position, he looks capable of flourishing just as much in another.
