Former England central defender Rio Ferdinand has waxed lyrical over West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ferdinand, who represented the Hammers on 142 occasions as a youngster, stated Rice is the ‘standout player’ in David Moyes’ squad.
”They (West Ham) have got some good players. Declan Rice, at the moment, is a standout player. He is absolutely dominating the centre of the park.”
The 42-year-old who left the Irons to play for Leeds United before heading to Manchester United spoke about the impressive start made by the club where he spent his youth career: ”David Moyes is absolutely flying, he has got his team playing to a certain style that is David Moyes. They work hard and they grind out results. This what they do.”
Moyes’ side sit sixth in the Premier League going into their clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
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Given Rice’s tender age and potential, he tends to be the player who receives a majority of the plaudits – often rightly so.
However, this West Ham side are a credit to Moyes’ implementation of tactics and how a squad can become a force by being greater than the sum of its parts.
The Irons boss has given his side an identity back, something that was distinctly lacking under previous regimes as the Hammers headed steadfast towards numerous relegation battles.
