Christmas may have been last week but Delcan Rice just gave West Ham fans the present we all wanted. A brand new, long term contract with the club.
It’s been an issue for the last 6 months (at least) and one that all West Ham fans were in agreement about. Declan Rice is a class player, and he needed a new contract. For a while it looked as though dispute with management and ownership may enable big teams to swoop in at the end of the season, but now it has been sorted and all is well.
Rice has been a standout performer for the Hammers, and in terms of young players in the league. Whilst youngsters like Richarlison and Sane grab headlines for scoring goals and flashy play, Rice’s consistency in the heart of the midfield and maturity under deserve just as much praise. He has to be in the running for young player of the season, and now he has a new contract to show for it.
And it’s not just us singing his praises, look at the reaction on social media.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellgerini says Declan Rice is the best youngster he has ever worked with, including during his spells at Manchester City and Real Madrid. [@ExWHUemployee] pic.twitter.com/tTbpb21bPm
— Uber West Ham (@UberWestHam) December 28, 2018
Congratulations to @_DeclanRice for securing a deal that he well and truly deserves. It’s not just his ability that’s special, it’s his genuine love for West Ham & an understanding of what it means to wear that badge on his chest. Future Captain, future legend. Well done mate ⚒ pic.twitter.com/G2Y2iQ8VPt
— Dave Walker (@DaveWalkerWHU) December 28, 2018
Fuck me this positivity shouldn’t be happening to West Ham fans.
— James (@JameswhufcJones) December 28, 2018
Best form we’ve been in for some time, an attacking manager, 10 first team worthy injuries, 5 out of 6 wins, 3 away wins on the trot.
Declan Rice new contract, just need a video of Lanzini playing football now.
Not excited that @_DeclanRice has signed a new contract no not at all 😂⚒⚒ pic.twitter.com/AEKR3s6yD0
— mark gevaux (@theribman) December 28, 2018
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
Quite simply, Rice has the potential to be a future legend of the club, and when Noble does hang up his boots it’s more than likely that Rice will take his place as captain. His leadership on the pitch already is admirable and I doubt there’s many who will be taking that armband off of him in a few years time.
The other big thing are the words of Pellegrini. This is a man who has taken charge of top teams including Manchester City and Real Madrid. For him to come out and say he is the best youngster he’s ever worked with is pretty special. And not necessary. It would have been big enough praise to say he was one of the best. But the best? We really do have a talent on our hands here.
When the news was announced I imagine there were quite a few big teams disappointed. Here was a young player, already at top Premier League standard, who was ready to be moulded by a manager into any of the top sides. Now he’s a Hammer and the commitment is clear. No-one’s taking our Rice.