Bobby Zamora awestruck by West Ham midfielder Declan Rice
Bobby Zamora has heaped praise on West Ham and Declan Rice as they continue to push on for European football next season.
The former Hammers striker says that the club are in a good place at the moment with a very strong squad, with David Moyes leading the club from relegation strugglers to potential European football qualifiers in just 15 months.
Zamora also spoke highly of Rice, admitting that the England international has been excellent in the 2020/21 campaign alongside Tomas Soucek.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Zamora claimed it’s down to him nailing down one position. He said: “He’s had a fantastic season last season, a fantastic season this season.
“These are the games people are going to really take note, against the top teams in the league. It’s an opportunity for him again to showcase what he can do.
“I remember speaking to Mark (Noble) a couple of years ago about him, saying he has everything. He has everything that he needs. I’m pleased that he’s picked one position, centre midfield now. He’s performing week in, week out in that position.
The full package
It’s one thing to be an exceptional footballer with outstanding ability, but it doesn’t mean anything without the right attitude. Rice certainly has all the attributes to make it to the top, but what makes him different is his professionalism.
With Noble announcing this week that next season will be his last, no secrets are being made of who the next Hammers captain will be. Rice has been wearing the armband a lot this season in Noble’s absence, being an everpresent in the Premier League.
He has been setting excellent standards through his performances, leading us to fifth in the table. For someone who’s 22 years of age, he conducts himself with maturity beyond his years and a fantastic professional.
West Ham will be in safe hands under his captainship, and hopefully for years to come.
In other West Ham news, Aaron Cresswell shares his views on playing for England.