Frank McAvennie: Declan Rice’s West Ham issues ‘not his fault’
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham have won just one of their last five Premier League matches and they are at risk of losing too much ground in the race for the top four.
Back to back draws against Leicester City and Newcastle United stunted any momentum the Irons were hoping to carry having beaten Watford and the heads are beginning to be scratched.
One of the biggest changes in the Hammers’ tactic this season has been the emergence of Declan Rice as a box-to-box midfielder rather than just a holding defensive ball winner.
It might have helped the 23-year-old earlier in the season but now the form has dwindled a little, the fingers are being pointed at the vice-captain to return to his usual role.
Former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie is one of those not convinced by Rice’s new up and down role but insists that it isn’t the fault of the England star.
“I don’t know what’s happening with Declan,” McAvennie exclusively told West Ham Zone. “For me, he is playing too far forward.
“I’ve seen him going forward more and Soucek isn’t going to play the long balls.
“When Declan used to sit, he was outstanding. Now he is becoming more box-to-box, when he goes Soucek can’t go.
“They’ve got a good understanding and they’ll work things out on the training ground but it’s not Declan’s fault that Soucek isn’t playing as well.”
The Irons have to turn this form around as soon as possible and the first chance to do that will be on Sunday when they host fellow European hopefuls Wolves.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are chasing this enigmatic striker who has 17 goal contributions this season.
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