By Peter Lynch

24th May, 2023 | 5:40pm

Danny Murphy slams West Ham United ace Declan Rice live on talkSPORT in Premier League Team of the Season verdict

Danny Murphy says West Ham ace Declan Rice didn’t come close to being selected in his Premier League Team of the Season.

Discussing the issue with Jim White, Murphy believes the Hammers star has not been as influential as some others in his position.

The pundit believes Rice has been outshone by the likes of Manchester duo Rodri and Casemiro.

“No Declan Rice?” White asked Murphy live on talkSPORT in terms of his Team of the Season. “Did he come close?”

Murphy replied: “No, not this season. He hasn’t had the impact Casemiro has had and he’s not done as well as Rodri.

“But would he do as well as either of those two in those teams? There is an argument for that.”

Subscribe to Football Insider TV now

Tough competition

Of course there are only a limited number of spaces in any Team of the Season verdict, and even though Rice has enjoyed another superb season, he won’t have that many complaints if title-winner Rodri is chosen ahead of him.

The West Ham star has, however, been at his usual best, dominating the midfield in several matches this season with his superb tackling and passing, as well as chipping in with some key goals.

But the Hammers have not had their most comfortable season in general, which could have a major impact on the future of their star man Rice, who has perhaps had enough of playing for a team that is not consistently playing it out for silverware.

If the skipper does end up leaving, he will be given a superb send-off by the Hammers faithful, with that send-off made much sweeter if the midfielder can guide his team to the Europa Conference League trophy.