West Ham United ace Declan Rice wows Sky Sports reporter with ‘brilliant’ moment v Liverpool
Sky Sports reporter Peter Smith was blown away by Declan Rice’s “perfectly-timed” tackle in the second half of West Ham United’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Hammers skipper put in a fantastic latch-ditch tackle on Diogo Jota in the early stages of the second half.
His brilliant interjection immediately led to a goal from Jarrod Bowen, but VAR quickly ruled it out for offside.
“Bowen is the goal scorer – but this is just as much about Rice’s tackle at the other end!” said Smith, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Brilliant play from Rice to track the Liverpool runner and make the perfectly-timed slide tackle in his own box.”
Classic Rice
Rice put in yet another superb performance for West Ham, with the midfielder controlling things on the pitch against the likes of world-class players Fabinho and Thiago.
At just 24, he continues to show maturity well beyond his years, with his club certain to be lost without him should he make an exit from East London this summer.
The midfielder didn’t stop running against the Reds, making tackle after tackle and interception after interception to prevent the threat from Liverpool as soon as possible.
His last-ditch tackle on Jota typifies his determination to get to every ball, with Bowen’s goal unfortunately but rightly ruled out after Rice’s fantastic efforts.
If the England international does leave the club, whoever eventually wins the race to his signature will be a very lucky team indeed.
But all of his focus will remain on keeping the Hammers in the Premier League this season, with the small matter of European silverware also up for grabs for the talented midfielder.