West Ham United showing they do not need Declan Rice – Paul Ince
West Ham are showing with their fast start to the season that they do not need Declan Rice, according to former player Paul Ince.
United sold the fan favourite to Arsenal for £105million in July – a British record fee that lasted a month before Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea (£115m, ESPN 14 August).
The Hammers have not exactly struggled in Rice’s absence, however, having taken 10 points from the first 12 on offer in the Premier League.
Speaking to Lucky Block, via talkSPORT [8 September, 10:19], Ince said: “It was never all on Declan Rice. Maybe for some it was, but not me.
“West Ham was not Declan Rice; there were 10 other players on the pitch.
“If you’re going in every day and all anyone talks about is Declan, then it will affect you as a player.
“Whenever a key player leaves, like Declan has, you have to come together and, without being disrespectful, show that they don’t need him.”
Stronger
West Ham sit fourth after their unbeaten start to the campaign, which started with a draw at Bournemouth followed by three successive wins.
United saw off London rivals Chelsea, before beating Brighton & Hove Albion by the same 3-1 scoreline through a counter-attacking masterclass.
There was then a professional 2-1 victory in the first Premier League game to be hosted by Luton Town just before the international break.
The Irons deserve credit for the way they have easily transitioned away from Rice, with summer signings Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse now anchoring midfield.
When you also factor in the arrival of Mohammed Kudus, plus defensive cover in Konstantinos Mavropanos, then United are stronger now than they were last season.
Rice is also thriving at his new club, so this is one of those transfers in which every party can be happy now that the dust is starting to settle.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers could be about to make another signing following a development in the past 24 hours.