WHZ view: How Declan Rice is looking to develop his offensive game
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has improved dramatically over the past four years and is now a starter for England and a crucial player for the Hammers.
Combative and energetic, he is the perfect shield for their defence, while his accurate passing helps launch counter-attacks and keeps the ball away from the opposition in possession.
However, the 21-year-old is very keen to develop his game beyond what brought him his initial success.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website recently he expressed his desire to emulate Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure with driving runs from the base of the midfield (via West Ham).
But how effective is his dribbling and can he improve? So far this season, Rice averages 1.4 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League, which ranks him 39th in the division (via WhoScored). When judged against other central midfielders, he sits 22nd (via WhoScored).
Now these are not bad numbers for a player renowned for his defensive output, and only seven players of his position average more than two successful dribbles per match. However, it is clearly an area that can be improved upon and it is good to see Rice taking the initiative.
Part of the reason that he has not become a dribbler in the style of Vieira or Toure is due to his intention. Often, after making an interception he will choose to make a simple pass rather than looking to take the defender on or continue to run.
This was particularly evident when playing for England, where he is perhaps less confident when trying things than he would be at club level. Below there is another example of Rice winning the ball and then moving down the wing. On this occasion though, he drives with the ball at his feet before giving the pass and continuing his run, before receiving a return pass for a chance.
This was far better aggression from Rice, who refused the option to give a simple pass and instead drove towards the space. There is another great example of this for West Ham against Leicester City, where he again shows his speed and ability with the ball at his feet. Holding off the defender he moves into the box and is unlucky to see the ball come back off the bar.
From watching Rice with the ball at his feet, there is no doubt that he has the ability to dribble and cause plenty of danger. The question for him is very much about timing, confidence and putting himself in the right position to do it more often.
In other West Ham news, WHZ view: 26y/o star is struggling and it needs Moyes rethink