Pundit Jamie Carragher compared the work rate and energy of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to that of Sir Mo Farah.
Despite capitulating to an Arsenal side that came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, Carragher has praised Rice on Sky Sports for his efforts that certainly went a long way in attempting to turn the tide in the Hammers’ favour.
Rice made the game contestable right up to the final whistle, and has been noted for a last-gasp darting run that saw him drive past defenders and launched an ultimately-unsuccessful shot off.
Nonetheless, it was a display of vigour and tenacity that cements his role as a deeper-lying playmaker, despite being more typically noted for his defensive qualities.
“He was like Mo Farah”, declared Carragher with an intense admiration.
“Look at him bursting through, knocking people out the way and then it’s can he get a pass off? He can’t, so thinks might as well shoot I’ve gone this far.
“But massive credit to both sets of players,” Carragher said.
Opinion
Having seen their advantage obliterated by a Gunners side firing with all cannons, Rice may be left rueing his chance that was ultimately cut out by a sharp Bernd Leno.
Regardless, his display was the tip of the iceberg on what was a well-rounded fine individual display from the 22-year-old.
WhoScored awarded the West Ham workhorse a 7.1 rating – more than his Arsenal counterparts in Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
He also won more aerial duels and never once gave away possession, compared to the three times his £45 million signing counterpart did.
