Whelan claims that Leeds star is better than West Ham regular
West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice is simultaneously one of the most highly thought of and underrated players in the Premier League.
It seems that managers – from Hammers boss David Moyes to England chief Gareth Southgate – appreciate the 21-year-old immensely.
However, it appears that there are plenty of supporters out there who simply don’t understand Rice’s game.
Perhaps it’s because the job he does in the middle of midfield is an under-the-radar one. He’s a midfield destroyer who wins the ball back and then gives it to the attackers. He doesn’t do anything flashy.
Now, it appears that even former professionals don’t quite appreciate the brilliance of the Hammers stalwart.
Indeed, former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes that Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is better than Rice.
“Kalvin Phillips is one of those players who is not just integral in the role that he plays but also the confidence he gives to others when he is in the side,” he told Football Insider.
“There has to be an England call up for him very soon the way he is playing. He is a leader. There is no better defensive midfield player in the Championship in that position and I would probably say the Premier League as well.
“I do not think Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson are in the same league as Kalvin Phillips. I really do not. Kalvin is way above them.”
What on earth is Whelan on about?
First things first, Whelan is a former Leeds player. He works for BBC Radio Leeds and so he covers all their games. He knows the club and its players very well.
However, this is just a ridiculous take. He’s saying that a midfielder who’s never played in the Premier League is better than two England internationals. Come on now.
Saying that Phillips is better than Rice is bad enough, but Henderson? This is a Champions League-winning captain who will soon be a Premier League winner as well.
The Liverpool skipper is arguably the front-runner for the PFA Player of the Year award, but Phillips is better than him? OK, boomer.
In other West Ham news, a reliable club source has been speaking about the impact of a new Hammers recruit.