Sky Sports pundit and former Hammer Tony Cottee has predicted big things for the “outstanding” Declan Rice for both West Ham and England.
The 20-year-old talent has enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season in the senior side in east London, with his performances earning him his debut for the Three Lions in the last international break.
Cottee, who is a regular pundit on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme, insists there is “more to come” from the youngster and paid tribute to the style of player he is, insisting he reminds him of the stars of yesteryear.
He told Yahoo Sport: “He’s an outstanding young player and more importantly, he’s a really nice guy. He’s a bit of a throwback as in he’s 20 but he’s like an old school centre half.
“He’s an old school character, got a lovely family around him, he’s a future West Ham captain and, I think, a future England captain. I’m so pleased for him but there’s more to come.”
Opinion
Rice really has gone from strength to strength this season and even in West Ham’s bitterly disappointing defeat to Everton he stood out as a shining light, ensuring that the Toffees did not score more than the two goals they did net. Everyone knows his future is bright but whether he is destined to continue playing in east London remains to be seen. The more he impresses, the more he will be linked with a move away from the London Stadium and surely it is only a matter of time until a giant of the game offers the Irons a transfer fee that they cannot refuse. Of course Rice has come through the Hammers’ youth setup and it might be difficult for rival clubs to prise him away if they cannot offer exactly what he wants so there could still be a few years for the supporters to enjoy his performances in the middle of the park.
