Why West Ham should keep hold of Declan Rice amidst United interest
According to Daily Star, Manchester United and Jose Mourinho are interested in signing West Ham’s young starlet Declan Rice. The 19-year-old is currently in a contract dispute with the Hammers, and his deal will run out at the end of this season.
The England-born centre-back/defensive midfielder, who is now playing for the Republic of Ireland, is one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League. He has been in great form this campaign under the club management of Manuel Pellegrini.
As per the report, West Ham want to keep the player, amidst interest from big clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton and Borussia Dortmund. (Daily Star)
Here’s why the east London club should offer improved contract terms to the 19-year-old.
The Hammers made a dire start to their life under Pellegrini, but have massively improved after the first four games of the league season. The key to their resurgent form has been the form of their midfield and the defence, resulting in the better structure of the team.
Rice, who had the worst possible start against Liverpool in the holding midfield role, has risen since then. His performance away at Everton started it all, as he showed composure on the ball and defensive solidity.
The 19-year-old hasn’t looked back since and has kept on performing at a high level. Dipping into some stats from this campaign, Rice has a pass success rate of 86.3%, with an average of 1.2 aerial duels per game.
His reading of the game is immaculate, to say the least. The Ireland international makes tackles and interceptions at the rate of 2.6 and 1.8, epitomising his strength to shield the backline.
He is a centre-back by trade and this kind of flexibility would be of great use to the Hammers as they aim to venture forward in the table with the festive games around the corner.
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Hence, the east London club cannot let the former Chelsea youth star to join Manchester United. The player will get more opportunities at his current club, and he is only 19, hence, he should focus on becoming a star at the London stadium before making a big move.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com