Declan Rice has been sensational for the Hammers this season, and the Englishman has not missed a single second of Premier League action, racking up 3240 minutes in the division this term. In the crucial relegation clash against Watford, he was once again on top form, bagging his first goal of the season with a delectable long-range strike to put the Irons three goals up by half time.
Although his importance to West Ham cannot be understated, other Premier League sides have taken note, and both Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the seven cap England international. Despite the interest Rice is attracting, David Moyes has revealed that the Hammers have no intentions to sell the 21-year-old and that he has big plans for him in the future.
What did he say?
Speaking to Sky Sports, Moyes said: “I am confident he will be here because he is under contract, but whatever club you are at, even the biggest clubs sell their best players at the right value.”
“My intention is not to sell Declan at all, my intention is to keep him. We can’t stop other clubs from making offers, but I’m guessing you [the media] will speculate, but the truth is we have had no offers,” added the Scot.
Moyes continued by adding: “I think Declan is the future captain of West Ham going forward. When Mark Noble comes to an end, I think it will be Declan Rice. We have no intention of letting him go, but if it does come, it will need to be ‘Bank of England’ money.”
Create and destroy
When it comes to stopping the opposition few West Ham players even come close to Rice this season. No player in Moyes’ side has recorded more tackles per match than the 21-year-old’s three, while he also has the most interceptions per game, two. When it comes to protecting the defence and turning over possession Rice has been imperious this term, and without his outstanding displays, West Ham might have conceded even more than 60 Premier League goals.
Meanwhile, Rice has not only excelled at winning possession but distributing it too. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has recorded the most average passes for the Hammers, 44.9, along with the second-highest pass accuracy for the Irons, 85.7, in the Premier League.
Moyes has suggested that it would take a substantial offer to pry Rice from his West Ham side and given his performances this term it is easy to see why the captain in the making is valued so highly in East London.
