Paul Ince offers thoughts on West Ham star Declan Rice’s qualities and market value

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Former West Ham midfielder Paul Ince has picked out where Declan Rice needs to improve and called his reported price tag ‘ridiculous’.

As per TalkSport, via the Daily Mirror, Ince risked the wrath of the Hammers fans by commenting on a player at a club where he is still not popular.

He said: “I don’t think they (Manchester United) will spend £80m on Declan Rice, at this moment. He was a centre-half. I’ve watched quite a lot of him, he’s still got a long way to go. Stop quoting these ridiculous prices, it’s madness.”

“In two or three years’ time, maybe, but he’s still got a lot to learn, he’s still got to grow, be a lot more powerful and get up and down the park quicker than he does. He’s still got to get himself in the box, got to score goals.”

TBR’s View – Ince’s view fails to understand Rice’s role

First things first, Ince’s opinion is unlikely to be welcome among Irons fans. Secondly, his analysis of the modern holding midfield player is wide of the mark.

In Ince’s day, midfielders in pairs would be able to get into the box and hold in equal measure but it’s unlikely Manuel Pellegrini or Gareth Southgate want Rice leaving his position to get into the area and score.

In today’s market, young English internationals will fetch huge asking prices, also.