OPINION
West Ham teenager Declan Rice must now be considered undroppable after being head and shoulders above his teammates during the 1-0 loss to Brighton.
The 6ft tall centre-back (source: Transfermarkt), who Manuel Pellegrini now opts to play as his central defensive midfielder, was head and shoulders above his teammates in Friday’s night clash with the Seagulls.
Rice covered so much ground, constantly put in important tackles, distributed the ball well and even have time to cover for left-back Arthur Masuaku who constantly abandoned his position.
When you consider that the defensive-minded player is only 19-years-old then it makes his latest performance even more impressive.
It’s worth noting that the Hammers’ recent upturn in form, ahead of the loss to Brighton, coincided with Rice being opted to start games in the heart of his side’s midfield.
Rice did start the Hammers’ Premier League opener against Liverpool but was dragged off at half-time after being torn apart by their world class team.
The Hammers youngster then proceeded to be left out of Pellegrini’s squad for the clash with Bournemouth and left on the bench for his side’s matches with Arsenal and Wolves.
However Rice was recalled to the starting line-up against Everton and has shone bright ever since, so much so it would be a mistake for him to slip down the pecking order anytime soon.
The reason why the teenager’s display against Brighton ensured that he should now have undroppable status for at least the few weeks following the international break is due to how he excelled while his teammates struggled.
Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang, Rice’s two midfield partners, both submitted below-par display against the Seagulls, as it was really hard to win the midfield battle in Friday’s clash, as Chris Hughton has his side’s midfield performing like a well oiled machine.
Therefore Rice, until he proves not worthy which he won’t, must be considered undroppable by Pellegrini and one of the first-names on the teamsheet after being one of a handful of players to emerge from the defeat to Brighton with any pride.
