Why West Ham have probably completed the most important deal of the window by holding onto future superstar

Why West Ham are right in giving a new contract to Declan Rice

According to a report in Telegraph, Declan Rice has signed a new contract with West Ham United, committing himself to the club until 2024. This news would be music to Hammers supporters as the player has been in great form this season.

The new deal which has been agreed comes after the back of the pressure to extend his stay at the London stadium. As per the report, this extension reflects the 19-year-old’s importance at the club, who see him as a future club captain, possibly taking over the reins from Mark Noble.

Here’s why West Ham have done the right thing by offering him a contract extension:

Rice could be a key player for the Hammers

We have seen Declan Rice in the past couple of seasons, playing a few games and impressing everyone. He used to operate as a centre-back and played one fantastic game against champions Manchester City at the Etihad, where West Ham almost got a point.

However, with the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini in the summer, the 19-year-old has got a new role – as a defensive midfielder. He started very poorly against Liverpool but the gaffer had faith in him and his abilities. Eventually, the patience came to fruition and the youngster started performing well.

The game away at Everton, where the Hammers got their first league win under Pellegrini, was the one where we saw Rice really come of age. He controlled the midfield well, shielded the back-line and used the ball in possession to massive effect. From then on, the teenager has grown into one of the key players in the West Ham midfield.

If we look at some of the stats of this campaign, he has a pass success rate of over 85% with an aerial duel success rate of 1.9. He makes tackles at an average of 2.5 per game and clears the danger away 2.1 times per match.

Overall, Rice has been an ideal defensive midfielder in the system that Pellegrini deploys at West Ham.

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He can drop in ta central defence when required as well, a part of his game which is pretty good. All in all, the Hammers have a player who will be a superstar in a few years time. They have done a great job in securing his future until 2024.

Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com