£100million? – WHZ View: Declan Rice is simply priceless to West Ham
There simply isn’t a price that can be put on Declan Rice and his importance to this West Ham team.
The England international has been tremendous for the Hammers this season as we continue to push towards Europe. At 22 years old, he plays with a maturity well beyond his years and has developed a formidable partnership with Tomas Soucek.
It’s no surprise that, given his talents, there are constant rumours other clubs keeping an eye on him. The owners have allegedly valued Rice at £100million, but David Moyes doesn’t feel the same.
As reported by the Telegraph, Moyes claimed his captain is worth much more. He said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100miliion footballer. Far, far more than £100million.
“For me, I have watched the prices of some players who have gone to clubs recently and they could not lace Declan Rice’s boots.
“So I’m looking forward to keeping Declan, I look forward to keeping all the boys and building a young team.”
Priceless
It’s difficult to actually put a price on Rice’s market worth. When you consider Harry Maguire moved to Manchester United for £80million, anything less would be a crime.
Our number 41 is one of the most technically gifted players to come into the team in recent memory. Initially, he was an excellent defensive midfielder, but his game has progressed so much.
He’s developed an extraordinary range of passing (with either foot), and the ability to carry the ball forward and get us up the pitch. He’s also taken over attacking freekicks and penalties.
It’s not just his footballing attributes, either. Rice has turned into a leader. He’s a born winner and sets such high standards for his teammates to follow on the pitch. Rice is an ever-present in the team this season. He hasn’t missed a single minute of Premier League action.
Having been let go bu Chelsea as a schoolboy, he worked had to forge his way into the game down a different path, with West Ham. He didn’t give up, and this elite mentality is shining through this season.
He will no doubt go on to play a huge role for England at the European Championship’s this summer. The Three Lions have been calling out for a world-class defensive midfielder for years now, and at the rate, he’s progressing, they might just have one.
Let’s just hope the progression continues in east London. We simply wouldn’t be able to replace him if he were to leave, regardless of the fee we receive.
In other West Ham news, Mark Noble is set to sign a new one-year deal.