Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has praised the influence of West Ham United midfielders Declan Rice and Samir Nasri.
The two players were instrumental in the Hammers’ 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend, and the former England international expects them to be big players for their club over the second half of the season.
“Declan Rice impresses me every time I see him and he looks exactly the kind of player England are crying out for, and I think he would fit perfectly into Gareth Southgate’s system. He has so much class,” he wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“What excites me about West Ham, though, is the combination of Samir Nasri and Marko Arnautovic. I regard Marko highly and it does not surprise me that he struck up an instant understanding with Nasri. Eyebrows were raised by the decision to sign Nasri and you could understand why. One thing that was never in doubt, however, was his ability. He’s got the flair and skill that West Ham fans love and he could go down a storm, but it is crucial they keep Marko.”
OPINION
Last weekend’s win over Arsenal was a big day for both Rice and Nasri. The latter was returning to Premier League football for the first time since his Manchester City days – and his first league match since his ban – while the former netted his first West Ham goal to secure all three points for his side. Both players were absolutely key to the victory. You could tell from very early on in the game that Nasri still had all the skill and guile that he used to have – not a surprise to anyone who watched him against Birmingham City the previous week – and he looks like a nice addition for this Hammers team. He understandably ran out of steam after the break, but once he’s back to full match day shape he could be a menace for opposition defences. Rice is tremendous, we all know that by now. He bossed the midfield against the Gunners and is shaping up to be one of the finest young talents in the Premier League. Hopefully both players can continue their fine form against Bournemouth on Saturday.
