Robert Snodgrass hails ‘exceptional’ West Ham youngster, backs him to reach ‘the top’
Robert Snodgrass has claimed that West Ham teammate Declan Rice is an “exceptional talent” who has the ability to go all the way to “the top” of the professional game.
The 21-year-old has become a mainstay for the Hammers in recent seasons, and has been a virtual ever-present under both David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini this term.
And Snodgrass has been more than impressed with the England international, although the veteran winger still believes that there are areas of his game in which he can improve further.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: “I need to give a special mention to Declan Rice, I think he’s going to go to the top.
“He’s a great kid and an exceptional talent.
“For me, he needs to get more goals. When you go into them top six teams, that’s what you need to add to your game.”
How good is Rice
Without a doubt, Rice has become one of the most exciting midfield prospect in the Premier League.
So far this season he has averaged a pass completion rate of 90%, as well as a total action success rate of 72% and 5.29 interceptions per game, as per Wyscout.
As a point of reference, Mark Noble has averaged 83.9%, 68.1%, and 2.7 in those areas respectively this season, as per Wyscout.
His efforts may not be the most eye-catching but his work ethic and willingness to put in the hard yards mean that he is integral to this West Ham side.
It’s little wonder that he is already being touted for the likes of Chelsea in the summer, and the Hammers will have a battle on their hands if they are to keep their star asset for next season.
In other West Ham news, Moyes set to axe six Irons talents in major summer shakeup.