Jamie Carragher blown away by West Ham duo Tomas Soucek & Declan Rice
Jamie Carragher was full of praise for the West Ham midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek ahead of the clash with Leeds.
The Hammers duo have developed a fantastic partnership this season in the middle of the park as the east Londoners drive on for Europe.
Czech midfielder Soucek is West Ham’s top scorer with eight goals, whilst Rice has taken over the captains armband this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, Carragher claimed there is no one better than Soucek in the league at what he does. He said: “If you asked me to name a midfield partnership in the Premier League this season, the first that would come to mind would be Rice and Soucek.
“Rice has travelled forward with the ball at his feet more than any other midfielder in the league. He’s not just a sitting midfielder, there’s more to his game.
“When you talk about box-to-box midfield players, there is no one better in the league right now than Tomas Soucek. Those two together as a partnership are the two that stand out for me.
“I think he’s a top player, Declan Rice. I’m a big fan of his.”
Dynamic duo
Rice and Soucek have been a revelation in the middle this season. The two have a warrior-like mentality and are the engine in this West Ham side.
The two have started every game for the Hammers. They’re one minute off of playing every minute of every game together (ask Mike Dean). Moyes has struck gold with the pair and will be keen to keep hold of them over the summer.
West Ham are right in the hunt for the European places, so it’ll be vital to keep his prized assets. Soucek’s goals this season have us 10 points better off. We’d be in the bottom half without the big man, level on points with Leeds in eleventh spot.
Rice has turned into a leader in the team. He’s stepped up to take the armband in the absence of Mark Noble, and sets excellent standards in his performances for his teammates to follow. He will play a big role in Gareth Southgate’s England side at the European Championship’s, no doubt.
In other West Ham news, Mark Noble is set to sign a new one year contract with the club.