Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has hailed West Ham star Declan Rice, citing his maturity as a key factor behind his success.
The England international midfielder has featured in all but three games for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, having made his breakthrough into the first-team squad at the backend of last season.
Still only 20-years old, Rice is considered to be one of the Premier League’s rising stars, and Hasselbaink has joined the many people from across the game to credit the youngster.
Speaking on the Premier League Show, as reported by Football.London, Hasselbaink said:
This boy has just caught my eye. He has played so maturely.
He is just 20 years old, but he is playing in a really important position and he does it really simply.
He gets the ball and plays it really simple.
Such has Rice been impressive this season, some fans had expressed their surprise not to see the midfielder feature in the PFA Team of the Year.
Hasselbaink did choose to include him in his version of the team, alongside fellow snub Eden Hazard.
