Alan Smith raves about Declan Rice after what he did in 5-1 West Ham United defeat v Newcastle United
Alan Smith praised Declan Rice’s initiative for West Ham United in the first half of their clash against Newcastle United despite their defeat 5-1 at the London Stadium on Wednesday evening [5 April].
In what was a pivotal game for the club in their quest to secure Premier League safety, the Hammers were completely outclassed by a rampant Newcastle United side with goals from Callum Wilson (2), Joelinton (2) and Alexander Isak kept the Hammers flirting with the drop zone.
But Smith praised the performance of the potentially departing Hammers who has been dragging his team out of tight spots all season.
Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event on Wednesday night (5 April, 08:30pm), Smith said: “Declan Rice is making things happen here for his team, diving through the middle.
“It’s something he’s done more this season.
“It might just have been offside Antonio, had he scored. But Botman wasn’t taking any chances.”
Mr Reliable
Always seems to impress when his teammates fail him so often and it’s why he’ll be on his way this summer to deservedly and rightly play alongside better players for either Arsenal, Chelsea or anywhere else for that matter.
A player who is simply too good to be down at the bottom and his consistencies this season has been clouded by West Ham United’s poor and inconsistent domestic performances.
Can’t imagine the Hammers getting relegated under his watch, but he’s given so much for the club but they simply can’t seem to match his levels or consistencies.
Maybe, that is what’s holding him back from becoming one of the best of his position across the continent. As good as Rice is, he simply cannot do it by himself and that’s why he’ll be desperate for a Champions League team in the coming months, playing with players who can not only perform on his level but propel him to European stardom too.
It will certainly be an interesting summer for both Rice and West Ham United.