‘He’s on a different planet’: Flynn Downes names the West Ham player who’s amazed him in training so far

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West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes says Declan Rice has amazed him in training so far and told the Evening Standard ‘he’s ‘on a different planet’.

Downes made the switch to East London this summer from Championship outfit Swansea. And he is now in direct competition with Rice for a place in West Ham’s midfield.

But the English midfielder has heaped praise on his new team mate. Downes has been blown away by watching Rice in training.

He told the Evening Standard: “Even in training, I just love training on his team. I’m just trying to learn from him. He’s on a different planet.”

Rice amazed Downes in training

Downes is yet to start for the Hammers in midfield but did come on as a substitute against Manchester City last weekend.

The 23-year-old faces stiff competition for a place alongside Rice in Tomas Soucek. But the player has certainly shown his quality in the Championship and should get his opportunity soon.

Hammers boss David Moyes will now be able to rotate his side for Europa Conference League games and Downes could yet get his first start tonight against Viborg.

And Rice has apparently already told the former Swansea man about the atmosphere at the London Stadium on European nights.

“When I came in here and spoke to Dec, he said: ‘You wait until we get those European nights going’,” Downes added.

“I can’t wait — it’ll be a dream come true to play European football.”

Although the two players are the same age, Downes can certainly learn a lot from Rice at West Ham.

The England international has a huge amount of experience for a player of his age and Downes will be hoping to follow a similar path.

The Ipswich Town academy product will be aiming to break into Moyes’ side over the course of the season and make the step-up to Premier League football.