West Ham praise Rice for Burnley performance

OPINION

It’s no exaggeration to say that West Ham were a shadow of the side we have seen in recent weeks against Burnley on Sunday afternoon. The Hammers looked lacklustre and devoid of creativity, and it was no surprise to see Andy Carroll brought on at half time to act as kind of battering ram against a resolute Clarets defence. In a disappointing outing, one of the few players who could hold his head up high was Declan Rice, whose work ethic and tenacity in the centre of the park was an example to those around him. At times on Sunday the 19-year-old was left woefully exposed and isolated by midfield partner Mark Noble, and yet he still gave a good account of himself in the heart of midfield. Performances like this one, even in a damaging loss, reiterate just how good the young man could, and serve as a reminder as to just how well West Ham have done to tie him down to a new long term contract.

Forever West Ham have gathered some of the best tweets below:

Declan Rice is the best young talent in the league. So composed and makes many defensive situations look so easy..

— Ashley (@Ashjm_97) December 30, 2018

try and tell me Declan Rice isn’t a superhero

— jack (@Jvckzini) December 30, 2018

so bad all round, lost all passion and effort we built up over Christmas Burnley aren't even playing well West Ham are so awful right now Rice can only do so much playing next to Noble, the defense is a sleep we're showing nothing #COYI #WHUFC #BURWHU

— _Aaron ⚒️ (@TAC_Dominator) December 30, 2018

Only player who’s looked any good for us so far is Declan Rice…again

— Ollie Beavis (@OllieBeavis) December 30, 2018

Rice has been our best player this half he’s the only one in our team that’s playing how he should be

— Arun (@ArunWHU) December 30, 2018

Possibly our worst half of football this year. Declan Rice only one out there with any effort. Looks like we are playing with 10 as Perez is completely useless.

— Poised Paqueta (@HammerOfTheYear) December 30, 2018