John Motson heaped praise on West Ham midfielder Declan Rice after watching him feature in the 2-0 defeat to Everton.
The legendary commentator was in attendance of Saturday’s game and revealed his admiration for the talents of the Hammers 20-year-old, and claimed his display will likely be overlooked as he was on the losing side.
Motson then added that he believes England are crying out for a player like Rice as he believes the West Ham ace is the midfield player Gareth Southgate’s side have been waiting for.
“One thing I would say and people probably didn’t…well it’d get forgotten in this disappointing defeat, but I did see Declan Rice do a couple of things on the ball and I thought y’know this just could be the midfield player England have been waiting for and haven’t so far discovered,” said Motson on talkSPORT (Monday, April 1st, 13:39pm).
“I don’t want to big him up too much as it’s a dangerous thing to do as he is just 20, but I tell you what he can play.”
OPINION
Motson was in awe of Rice after witnessing him live as to believe that England have been crying out for him, is high praise indeed. The only debatable part of the commentator’s remarks is that he believes England are yet to discover him. Whether he means England haven’t seen the best of Rice is debatable, but the country are clearly aware of him. Rice won his first caps for Southgate’s side in the recent international break and made a positive impression in both his appearances. With this in mind and the 20-year-old’s positive form continuing for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, it’d be more a surprise if he doesn’t feature in England’s next squad. Rice is the ideal holding midfielder for his nation as after years of honing his craft as a centre-back, he senses danger like few midfielders can. Also while some defensive midfielders don’t contribute much going forward, that isn’t the case with Rice. The Hammers’ 20-year-old regularly surges forward and his passing ability sees him able to carve out chances for his side.
