Hartson claims West Ham’s Rice could play for any Premier League side
John Hartson has heaped praise on Declan Rice and claimed that the West Ham midfielder would get into any Premier League side.
Rice has had an outstanding start to the season and his form has helped West Ham climb the Premier League table in the early stages of the campaign.
Former Hammers striker Hartson firmly believes that Rice is better than Manchester United and Manchester City’s midfielders.
Speaking about Rice, Hartson told Stadium Astro, “I think he’s better than Fred, I think he’s better than McTominay.
“I think he walks into those teams. I think Pep Guardiola and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love a Declan Rice. I think he is better than those players.”
“I think Declan Rice would get into any side in the Premier League, and he would be an asset in that side. I think he’s an outstanding midfield player – he keeps the ball, he’s a great athlete, he’s brave in and out of possession.”
The big worry for Hammers fans ahead of the January transfer window is that Rice is picked up by a Premier League rival.
As well as being the best player that West Ham have, Rice he is also seen as one of their own after being partially developed by the club’s youth system.
Chelsea were keen in the summer but refused to meet the valuation that was placed on the 21-year-old by the powers that be at the London Stadium.
As Hartson says, clubs like Man United and Man City could do with a midfielder like Rice but it is unknown if either club will stump up the fee required to wrestle Rice away from East London.
It is doubtful that many clubs have the funds to sign Rice this January due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which will come as a boost to Hammers fans.
However, it seems that Rice’s days are numbered at the London Stadium and this could be his last season as a West Ham player.
In other West Ham news, the Irons should make a ruthless decision on Winston Reid’s future after his loan deal at MLS side Kansas ended.