OPINION
One of the key reasons for West Ham United’s first victory of the season against Everton on Sunday was the reappearance of a cohesive midfield unit.
For the first time since the days of David Moyes the Hammers managed to win the battle in the middle of the pitch, and were able to dictate terms as a result.
All three of West Ham’s midfielders made a big impact at Goodison Park, but it was the presence of Declan Rice in midfield that really tipped the game in the visitor’s favour.
The Hammers utility man proved that central midfield is where he belongs with a virtuoso display alongside captain Mark Noble and Spaniard Pedro Obiang.
The three players looked like they had a point to prove as they set about relentlessly harrying the opposition. Rice was key in this as he consistently pinched the ball off the home side.
It was his play on the ball that really caught the eye, however. He was neat and tidy in possession, unnervingly so for a 19-year-old, and ran the show from the middle of the park.
The 6ft [Source: Transfermarkt] youngster was imperious and he set the tone for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, and as such he must be given the chance to continue in central midfield.
He has appeared in defence and midfield since breaking through into the Hammers first team, but that versatility is not something that a young player wants to define them.
Being able to play in a multitude of positions is a good thing, of course, but at some point you need to settle down and cement yourself in a specific area of the pitch.
Pellegrini’s changes worked well against Everton, and Rice was chief amongst them. The 19-year-old is the perfect compliment to Noble and Obiang, because he combines the best attributes of both players.
His calmness in possession and combativeness is similar to the Hammers captain, but he doesn’t have the hot head that Noble possesses. He’s also capable of marauding forward and joining the attack when required, like Obiang.
This midfield three must stay together moving forward for West Ham, and Rice must be the first name on the team sheet to develop into the top class central midfielder he can be.
