West Ham star Declan Rice is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, and despite being so young, he has had some brilliant career moments.
Declan Rice came through the West Ham academy. Since breaking through Rice has developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. The now 22-year-old has solidified himself in both the Hammers and England first teams.
After being released by Chelsea as a 14-year-old boy, the player found a new home across London. Rice was one of the last members of his year group to be offered a scholarship and has repaid the club immensely for their faith in him.
First Goal
Rice opened his account for West Ham in the best way possible. After cementing himself as first-team regular Hammers, fans were waiting for Rice to notch his first goal for the club. The moment came against London rivals Arsenal in a tense local derby.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side were enjoying their best season since moving to the London Stadium and were targeting a win against the Gunners. The game was poised at a tense 0-0 scoreline and could have gone either way.
It was Rice who became the match-winner; however, the midfielder put in a man of the match display and dominated the Arsenal midfield. The youngster got his reward for his hard work early in the second half.
Arsenal half-cleared a cross from Felipe Anderson to former gunner Samir Nasri. The Frenchman laid the ball off to Rice who smashed the ball home with a powerful side-footed shot. The whole stadium was jubilant in celebration as Rice ran to the corner flag to celebrate. The goal would prove to be the winner for the Hammers.