Hugh Woozencroft: West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice cannot ‘run games’ at the highest level
Hugh Woozencroft believes West Ham midfielder Declan Rice cannot dictate games like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos can at the highest level.
Rice has enjoyed another fine season for the Hammers as his stock continues to grow amidst transfer and contract speculation.
However, despite another excellent season, talkSPORT presenter Woozencroft has suggested that the West Ham man can’t control games at the highest level.
Talking on talkSPORT on Sunday [5 June], Woozencroft said: “I don’t think he can [run games at the highest level].
“I think he’s a great player but I don’t think he’s a Luka Modric or a Toni Kroos.
“He’s as good as the likes of Fabinho but then you look at Thiago for Spain, these are players that can control a match.
“I’m not blaming Declan Rice.”
Plenty of time
Woozencroft is right, at present Rice is a combative midfielder who is as good as it gets when it comes to dominating a midfield battle.
However, does he have the craft and guile of a Modric, Kroos or Thiago?
At present, he doesn’t, but a couple of factors need to be considered.
He is featuring for a West Ham side that is happy to give up possession and be a threat on the counterattack therefore he doesn’t have the chance to dictate play.
Modric, Kroos and Thiago feature for top-quality teams that dominate the ball.
If Rice was to move to Manchester City, for example, there is every chance that he would develop the ability to control and dictate matches.
Being surrounded by the highest quality players would only benefit his development further.
We have seen the 23-year-old add an attacking element to his game whilst at West Ham, having broken into the first team as purely a defensive midfielder.
If given the right environment, there is no reason why Rice could develop into a complete midfielder.
In other West Ham news, Update on West Ham United’s move for Nathan Ake from Claret and Hugh.