Declan Rice raves about Nick Pope after West Ham 0-0 v Burnley
Declan Rice has showered heaps of praise on Nick Pope after West Ham drew 0-0 against Burnley on Sunday in the Premier League clash at Turf Moor.
The Burnley goalkeeper made some outstanding saves during the game, including a late effort from Jarrod Bowen, and Rice has hailed him as “one of the best” in the world.
The Hammers created loads of chances in the second half, but they lacked the finishing touch to seal all three points.
“I think Pope is a top goalkeeper, I know from training with him at England,” said Rice to BBC Sport.
“I should have told the lads before the game to put it hard and low, anything up top he’s probably one of the best in the world at saving them. He’s a top keeper and a great lad as well.”
Worrying away form
West Ham have now picked up only five points from their last five games.
They lost against Wolves and Manchester City and now have drawn against the Clarets away from home.
To be fair, a point away at Turf Moor isn’t a bad result, but the Hammers need to win these types of games, even if by playing ugly.
David Moyes’s side have made incredible progress this season, but these are the results that could make a difference in the race for the top four.
The Hammers boss will be pleased with the effort and intensity from his players, but the finishing touch, the end product was missing.
Rice rightly said after the game that West Ham cannot only rely on Michail Antonio to deliver every single week and that other players need to chip in with goals.
Signing a striker is a priority for the Hammers in the January transfer window, and the frustrating draw only highlights what the team has been missing.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers transfer target reportedly wants to leave his current club in January.
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