Journalist shares Declan Rice verdict v Arsenal as West Ham United ace ‘surpasses’ all in one area
The defensive ability of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice “arguably surpasses any in the Premier League,” according to the Daily Mail’s Ian Herbert.
Rice shone in midfield in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday (16 April), but it left him looking exhausted as the relegation race heats up in the Premier League.
The draw saw the Gunners slip up in their title pursuit, with the Hammers picking up a valuable point in their relegation fight.
“In the first half, Mikel Arteta’s side played 2-2-4-2,” Herbert wrote for the Daily Mail. “In the second half it was 2-3-1-1-2-1. Martin Odegaard operated higher up the field than Gabriel Jesus, who was often found on the ball deep in his own half. Kieran Tierney played as an extra midfielder.
“At the end of it all Declan Rice, the West Ham captain tasked with dealing with the carousel in midfield and putting the fires out, looked exhausted.
“The defensive side of Rice’s game arguably surpasses any in the Premier League, but fluidity like this makes preparation very difficult.”
Successful audition
Many will believe that Rice’s display against Arsenal was somewhat of an audition, with the Gunners strongly linked with a move for the Hammers skipper.
The 24-year-old also has suitors elsewhere, with the midfielder reminding his club just how talented he is with another commanding display in the superb 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.
While it was points dropped for Arsenal, it was a huge point for David Moyes and his men, who are edging their way closer to Premier League safety.
Rice has come up against several world-class midfielders in his brief career so far for both club and country, with the West Ham and England man more than holding his own.
And it is not just his defensive abilities that have helped his profile grow over the years, with Rice very confident and competent on the ball, as well as showing his ability to get on the scoresheet when the opportunity presents itself.