View: Stats prove West Ham ace most influential man outside top six
The Other 14 have released a table that shows West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to be the best player outside of the so-called top six in one area.
The graphic measures the progressive yards players have gained whilst on the ball and the Hammers skipper is miles ahead of the rest.
Rice has carried the ball over 5,300 yards from the first to 30th Premier League game of the season, over 1,000 yards more than any other player outside of the top six.
The top three was completed by Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi (4,077) and Leeds United’s Diego Llorente (3,886).
Not surprised
Even if you include the top six teams, Rice is head and shoulders above every midfielder in the league.
Many thought he was a big fish in a little pond that would struggle when making the next step in his career, but he has found himself as a player over the past year or so.
His terrific European Championship campaign, playing such an important role in helping England to the final, gave the 23-year-old a lot of confidence and he has just built on that this season.
There is no surprise at all the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid have been linked with the Hammers star. He is a player with so much talent at such a young age and could certainly play for whoever he likes.
With that being said, hopefully, he stays with the Irons for a few more seasons at least to help them get in the Champions League or win a trophy.
Then he could leave with his head held high as an undeniable Hammers legend.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are open to offers for Arthur Masuaku in the summer – report.
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