West Ham forward Michail Antonio has revealed Declan Rice is his Hammer of the Year after an impressive season at the London Stadium for the 20-year old.
Rice has been a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season, and has made 34 Premier League appearances throughout this campaign, scoring two goals in the process.
Antonio has shown his appreciation for the young defensive midfielder, and believes that he has been the best player in a claret and blue shirt this season.
“It’s just his second season but he has been a regular in the team in midfield,” said Antonio to West Ham’s official website.
“He’s still so young and he’s been unbelievable for us.
“It was going to be him or Lukasz Fabianski, but I’m going to go for Dec.”
OPINION
Antonio definitely isn’t the only person who believes that Rice has had a magnificent season this year for West Ham, but it’s clear to see now that it isn’t only the fans who have appreciated the 20-year old’s performances this season. The England international has surely now cemented his place for next season in the heart of Pellegrini’s midfield, and will no doubt be on of the first names of the team sheet going into the new season. Rice has been solid all season for the Hammers, and has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level in the Premier League, despite being the youngest name in the starting eleven. Being named as the ‘Hammer of the Year’ by his fellow teammate shouldn’t be taken lightly, and is a huge compliment especially considering how well other Hammers’ players have performed alongside Rice all season. His main competitor in Antonio’s eyes was Łukasz Fabiański, but it seems the 20-year old just tipped him in the end.
