OPINION
West Ham United may have felt it was two points lost as they ground out a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
They now have four points to their name in the Premier League thanks to some impressive performances from a number of their players.
One of those players is Declan Rice, who has recently been a part of the newly-formed midfield trio in the first team along with Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang.
So far they have been rather effective, and it looks like boss Manuel Pellegrini is likely to stick with this combination for the forseeable future.
However, Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy has said on Talk Sport that he is “amazed” that a new deal has not been put on the table to Rice – but he also added that the Irons should not underestimate the fact that top clubs may be watching him.
Meanwhile Sky Sports have delivered the latest on talks with the 19-year-old, insisting that the club are confident he will pen a deal.
However, Rice must ignore any potential contract offers that come his way from the Hammers, as he deserves a move to a top club based on his recent displays.
Even against a top side like Chelsea, Rice looked calm and assured in the midfield, despite only being 19-years-old – and it is these types of performances that warrant him a transfer to one of the Premier League’s top six sides.
The ace needs be recognised for the way he is able to cope with such quality opposition on a regular basis – but at the moment, he is not being rewarded for his efforts.
Rice needs to move to a club that will recognise the efforts that he puts in, as £1,000-a-week [Spotrac] is nowhere near the figure that he deserves right now.
There is no point in offering him a huge amount of money, as that will make him think that he is better than he is – but £1,000 is far too low for a regular first teamer playing at a top flight outfit.
Bigger clubs will be able to offer him more, and he will get the chance to star alongside quality players who will challenge him to become even better.
Therefore, Rice must knock back a potential improved deal, especially if he wants to be recognised for the hard work that he puts in.
