Crouch blown away by Rice after sharing verdict on West Ham reaching Europe
Peter Crouch has talked up the chances of West Ham qualifying for Europe this season while claiming that Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders on the continent.
The Hammers and Rice have been in exceptional form this season and see themselves sat in sixth place in the Premier League table after 12 games.
Crouch, speaking in his Daily Mail column, said that David Moyes deserves more appreciation and said Irons fans should ‘enjoy the ride’.
He said, “Declan Rice has really impressed me this season, to the point I would call him one of the best holding midfielders in Europe. I often wondered about the hype around him but watch him closely, how he carries the ball out of defence and the work he puts in. He is looking like the real deal.
“I have watched West Ham a good few times this season — like when they dismantled Leicester — and the more I see, the more I like. It really is time for David Moyes to be given some appreciation for the work he has done.
“I called them the ‘rollercoaster club’ as there would be many ups and downs. Well, it’s time for them to enjoy the ride. They look more credible for Europe now than Wolves, who are always talked up.”
The Hammers are starting to look like the real deal this season which represents a remarkable turnaround as the club were nearly relegated last term.
After impressive performances against top clubs such as Manchester City and Tottenham, there is a real belief that the Irons can target a European finish this season.
With top-class players like Declan Rice in the side and prospects like Jarrod Bowen starting to impress, David Moyes has a talented squad to choose from.
There are fewer weak links in the Hammers’ side compared to recent seasons and there is quality throughout the team with recent additions Vladimir Coufal and Said Benrahma looking like especially good pieces of business.
There is still a lot of football to be played this season but there is no doubt that if the Hammers keep up their current form they will be up there come the end of the season.
In other West Ham news, Angelo Ogbonna was selected in Garth Crooks’ BBC Sport team of the week.