OPINION
The emergence of Declan Rice as a crucial member of the West Ham United first-team this season has been a joy to watch, with the 19-year-old giving Hammers fans hope for a bright future.
The youngster has become the first academy graduate to make his first-team appearances stick at the club in a long while, and that is a testament to his brilliance this season.
His form has led to a first international call-up for the Republic of Ireland, with Martin O’Neill wading in on singing his praises after two assured opening performances.
You would think that all this would lead to new boss Manuel Pellegrini basing his defence around Rice next season, but the Chilean reportedly has something very different in mind.
According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers manager sees the 19-year-old fan favourite as a defensive midfielder next season, with him set to operate in front of a totally revamped back line.
While Rice has indeed played there before, with the enforcer deployed in midfield seven times in 2017/18, it is not the position that has seemed most natural for him so far, and it will be interesting to see how this goes under Pellegrini.
It is however also massively exciting, with Rice showing the right qualities to succeed in that position, and if he goes on to smash it in the middle of the park, then West Ham fans will be in for a treat in the coming years.
Having a young player come through the academy to be converted into a dominant central midfield presence during an exciting time in the club’s recent history is huge.
The club have already experienced that with current incumbent Mark Noble, and Rice is now set to take up the torch from Mr. West Ham in the coming years.
It is a hugely exciting development for the Irons and one that we must hope works out, with Rice having the potential to become a club legend if it does.
