Declan Rice is loving life at “best West Ham” and wants Jesse Lingard stay

Declan Rice has praised the current West Ham team and has deemed it the “best” one that he has been a part of. The Englishman, who is now vice-captain, broke through from the academy into the first-team four years ago and has not looked back since.

"“This is the best West Ham team that I’ve been a part of in the four years that I’ve been in the team. There’s a unity, the love the lads have for each other, the banter on a daily basis and the mentality has changed completely.”Declan Rice told TalkSport"

Since David Moyes has returned to the club, he has overseen a monumental shift in the club’s fortunes. Rice has been a major part of the success. The 21-year-old has been converted into one of the best defensive midfielders, not only in England but in all of Europe.

Declan Rice has praised the current West Ham team that has surged up the Premier League table and are challenging close to the summit.

Against Tottenham, the midfielder proved just how good he was once again. Rice dominated the midfield alongside Tomas Soucek. The most impressive moment of the game was magic from the hard-working Rice. Somehow he managed to intercept a low cross into the West Ham box that seemed destined to bring the Spurs equaliser.

Rice also mentioned how good the team spirit is at the club at the moment. Multiple members of the team have echoed this over the last couple of weeks. Both Jarrod Bowen and Jesse Lingard have lauded the current mentality that David Moyes has instilled in the players.

Lingard has seriously impressed since his arrival in January, and Rice was quick to praise the attacking midfielder. Rice hopes that Lingard can continue to do well for West Ham for the rest of the season and next season as well.

"“I knew this from when I played with him for England. He’s a ridiculously top, top player. You know when you’re playing with a top player, he takes the ball on the half-turn, takes the ball in tight areas, relieves the pressure on you…Hopefully we can do that for much longer for next season as well!”Rice on Jesse Lingard"

Of course, for Lingard to impress for the Hammers next season, it would mean that his loan will have to be made permanent. There is no clause in his deal that can be activated, so the clubs will have to negotiate an entirely new deal.

Lingard’s progress could drive his price up in Manchester United’s eyes, but with only one year left on his deal, it’s anyone’s guess as to what his price will be. Fans will also be happy to see Rice’s head is very much with the Hammer as he mentions doing well ‘next season’.