Kalvin Phillips raves about West Ham midfielder Declan Rice
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has showered heaps of praise on West Ham star Declan Rice.
Both Phillips and Rice impressed heavily during the Euro Championships in the summer, and the duo has forged a strong partnership in midfield for England.
Phillips has suggested that Rice is a “very good player”, and has compared his playing style with that of AC Milan and Italy legend Gennaro Gattuso.
Phillips has suggested that Rice plays as a protector for the defensive back-four, while he operates as a midfield metronome, toiling everywhere.
The Leeds midfielder is bowled over by how Rice has been playing for the Hammers this season and has predicted that he will only get better.
“I love playing with Declan,” said Phillips to Sky Sports.
“We’re two very similar players but work in different ways when we play together. Declan is almost a protector in front of the back four and I’m almost a dog that goes running after people that have got the ball.
Asked if Rice could be compared to Gattuso, he added: “You could say so!
“Declan is a very good player and you can see what he’s done this season with West Ham, the way he’s playing. He’s only going to get better and I’m very happy for him.”
Outstanding season
Rice is enjoying a phenomenal campaign at the moment.
The 22-year-old has been an epitome of consistency for the Hammers, but he has taken his game to a whole new level this season.
He has always been a robust midfielder who brings dynamism and energy to the midfield. He has developed a wide passing range to his repertoire.
Last month, football pundit Karen Carney has hailed him as an “amazing” player.
His leadership is another quality that needs to be praised. Rice has shown maturity beyond years, and the way he supports his teammate thick and thin shows what a good leader he is turning out to be.
Obviously, the focus shifts to his long-term future at the club. He has rejected two contract extension offers, but the Hammers are pretty relaxed about his situation.
David Moyes has recently suggested that it would take more than £100 million to prise him away from the London Stadium next summer.
In other West Ham news, John Terry has shared his one big Irons regret on Twitter.