Joe Cole shares glowing verdict on West Ham midfielder Declan Rice

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Joe Cole has delivered a glowing verdict on West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and even described him as a “throwback” in terms of his mentality.

The 20-year-old has developed into a key first-team player for the Hammers during the last year and made a mammoth impact since breaking through from the academy.

He’s settled into a defensive midfield role in Manuel Pellegrini’s team and has also been called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s senior side.

Rice has a lovely partnership next to captain Mark Noble in the Hammers midfield, with the duo breaking up play and taking care of possession.

Ex-West Ham and England winger Cole has raved about young talent Rice, who he believes can go on to reach another level at the London Stadium.

“Declan has got an old head on young shoulders and is in the right position at the right time,” Cole told talksSPORT.

“What I like about Declan is that his mentality is like a throwback. He really loves the sport and he really loves the game.

“I think he’s done the right thing in staying at West Ham. He needs to develop, and there’s still levels for him to get too, and he’s at the right club to do that.”

TBR’s View:

Rice was one of the outstanding young players in the Premier League last season and there is no reason why he can’t back that up again in the new campaign.

He continues to improve next to mentor Rice and it’s clear that his manager has big faith in him.

West Ham now have a scintillating attack with the likes of Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini, Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson, which will mean Rice’s work in protecting the back four will become even more important.