Alan Shearer names West Ham United star Declan Rice in Premier League Team of the Season
West Ham ace Declan Rice has been named in Alan Shearer’s Premier League team of the season after what he described as a ‘magnificent’ season.
The Hammers finished in seventh place in the league after pushing for Champions League places for most of the season, before prioritising their Europa League campaign instead.
But Rice was exceptional throughout the season, leading to reported £100m transfer interest from clubs at the top of the league [Telegraph], and Shearer told the official Premier League website that he was the reason for the Irons’ great campaign.
“Three in midfield, I’m going to go for West Ham’s Declan Rice,” he said. “I think he’s had a superb year.
“He’s grown in stature, he’s not just a sitting midfielder, he’s proved that this season. He can burst forward, he can get on the end of things, he can read the game, and he’s had a magnificent season for West Ham in the middle.
“He’s one of the main reasons why West Ham have been so good and David Moyes, I’m sure, has thanked him a lot.”
Deserved
Rice was, as usual and as expected, the best player to wear claret and blue this season and earned plenty of plaudits from fans and pundits alike.
Shearer was spot on with his analysis, as the England man improved from last season and showed his progression and development by taking on more responsibility and a new role in the side.
It was unfortunate for fellow winger Jarred Bowen to be left out though, with Shearer instead opting for a front three of Heung-Min Son, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
The 25-year-old winger hit double figures for goals and assists in a side that was never in the title race and struggled for consistency at times, but the quality of those at the bigger clubs ultimately means he doesn’t get that recognitition.
Both Rice and Bowen will be key to the Hammers improving next season and should both be expecting to be the first names on the teamsheet while Moyes is at the club.
In other West Ham news, one TalkSPORT pundit has shared what he feels cost the club this season
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