‘Learned from Mark Noble’ – Moyes hails West Ham star after win v Sheff Utd
West Ham boss David Moyes described Declan Rice as “such an improved player” after his side beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
A second half goal from Sebastien Haller sealed the win, with Rice his usual combative and energetic self in the centre of the park.
The England international has added some attacking spark to his game this season, while Moyes has been impressed with his leadership skills.
“He is such an improved player,” he said (via London Evening Standard).
“The role, his responsibility he takes on the pitch because of his young age, his leadership qualities will build. He has learned from Harry Kane, Mark Noble – I really think he is doing a great job as a player and we are building up hope that he will be an outstanding captain.
“My bigger concern – and I know he is young – would be that I don’t want us to rely too heavily on him.”
Rice put in an all-action display on Sunday, the sort of performance that has become increasingly common for the 21-year-old.
Taking two shots, winning one aerial duel, completing one tackle and making two interceptions, he was effective with and without the ball. The England man also made 58 accurate passes, two of which were key passes, and touched the ball 78 times, something only Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell bettered (via WhoScored).
According to FBRef, he carried the ball 51 times for a progressive distance of 225 yards and generated 0.5 expected goals plus assists.
The win at Bramall Lane took the Hammers into eighth in the league, with Moyes’ side having lost just once in their last seven Premier League matches. They face Aston Villa at the London Stadium next Monday, where a win could take them as high as fifth.
In other West Ham news, see how some fans reacted to Haller’s display on Sunday