Paul Merson has heaped praise on West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, suggesting that he would be “shocked” if a big side didn’t make a move to sign him in the near future.
The 20-year-old made his England debut during the recent international break, and impressed massively during a comprehensive win over Montenegro a few days later.
Writing in a column for the Daily Star, Merson was quick to sing the youngster’s praises and compared him to follow England midfielder Jordan Henderson in the process.
The pundit pointed out how Henderson, who earns £140,000-a-week at Liverpool (Source: Spotrac), sometimes got carried away and tried Hollywood passes which led to him giving the ball away, but that Rice always found the right pass.
He said: “Declan Rice was absolutely outstanding on his England debut and I’d be shocked if a top team doesn’t come in for him now.
“It’s the hardest thing in football for a midfielder to keep it simple and not get carried away when you play in that position.
“So many midfielders start off well, winning the ball and playing it simple, and then they get carried away and start trying to spray Hollywood passes everywhere.
“Jordan Henderson does it all the time. But not Declan Rice. He just kept getting it and giving it. He always found the right pass.
“That shows massive maturity for someone so young. It was really impressive. It might sound simple, being able to do that. But people don’t realise how much discipline it takes.”
OPINION
What can you say about Declan Rice that hasn’t already been said? The midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season, and is absolutely deserving of yet another glowing endorsement, this time from Paul Merson. Rice doesn’t always do the glamorous work, or make the kind of intervention that will get fans stood up out of their seats, but he is nonetheless a crucial part of this Hammers setup, and it is brilliant to see a player of his age playing in the role that he does, catching the eye week after week. He really is a superlative talent, and one that could just keep on rising and rising. Merson, sadly, is probably quite right about the prospect of him ending up at another club in the near future, but don’t be surprised if Rice and West Ham resist any advances for another year or so before he finally says goodbye to his boyhood club.
