---
title: "Pellegrini claims West Ham starlet Rice has huge potential"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/10/04/pellegrini-claims-west-ham-starlet-rice-has-huge-potential/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-10-04T19:25:27Z"
modified: "2018-10-04T19:25:27Z"
---

# Pellegrini claims West Ham starlet Rice has huge potential

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has hailed club starlet Declan Rice, claiming he has the potential to be a top player for the club.

The 19-year old defender-cum-midfielder has started the season in fine form for the Hammers, having improved the club’s form since being reintroduced into the first-team set-up.

![Stu Forster/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/10/1034688396.jpg)

His form hasn’t missed the eye of his Chilean coach, who has praised the ability of the young defender. Pellegrini said:

> He can be a top player maybe some time in the future. He is learning a lot, always asking, he is very young but he has a huge future.

> I am always talking with all players, Declan also. He is a young player, we need to give him time to make a difficult decision, it is not easy. Both sides are close for him so we must not pressure him about his contract or for what country he will play for.