Jose Fonte: Declan Rice doing well as a midfielder is surprising
West Ham ace Declan Rice has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and Jose Fonte has admitted that has surprised him.
The Portuguese centre-back played briefly with the England international, 22, during the few months he spent at the London Stadium, and he always believed Rice would become a top defender.
The Hammers ace played mainly as a centre-back during his schoolboy days and has been deployed in the position a few times since breaking into the first-team.
His growth as a holding midfielder has impressed Fonte, and the Lille star, 37, reckons he deserves the plaudits.
He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “Everybody acknowledged that he had the potential to go all the way. He was just trying to break in at the time [I was there].
“You know, he used to be a centre-back. I didn’t expect him to be a midfielder and when he started to play consistently in the midfield and doing so well it was kind of surprising because at centre-back he was great.
“I already said that as a centre-back he had a future, so it’s fantastic for him.
“I’m so pleased for Declan, he’s such a great professional, a hard-working player, and a good kid. He deserves all the credit that he’s getting.”
Talented player
Chelsea have been linked with Rice, while Manchester United and Manchester City have been credited with interests too.
The Athletic reported in January that erstwhile Blues boss Frank Lampard wanted to sign the Hammers ace in order to play him at centre-back, and he definitely would not have felt lost playing in the position.
Graeme Souness insisted last month ahead of the Premier League clash between West Ham and the Red Devils that he sees Rice ultimately as a defender due to his athleticism and natural abilities [Football Daily].
Without a doubt, the youngster’s defensive qualities are top-notch, and his versatility would always come in handy for David Moyes.
He has done very well for himself in midfield, though, establishing himself as a regular for the Three Lions.
Rice himself would surely prefer to keep playing in the middle of the park, but he will not likely to complain if he has to turn to a centre-back permanently at a place where he is guaranteed regular Champions League football and silverware.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign English sensation with 18 goals/assists in 20/21.
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