‘Shout out’: Rio Ferdinand has been so impressed with 23-year-old West Ham man’s World Cup performances

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West Ham United captain Declan Rice’s World Cup ended last night, but he still impressed Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was speaking on his YouTube channel after England crashed out against France.

Rice was ever-present for Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar and had a brilliant tournament.

He formed a fantastic partnership with Jude Bellingham in midfield, who was also impressed with Rice’s performances.

The 23-year-old is now an invaluable player for both club and country.

David Moyes knows how important Rice is to his West Ham side, and will be pleased he’s returned to the club unscathed.

He’s previously said Rice has been ‘carrying the team’, and his future could now lie away from the London Stadium.

Rice spoke about his desire to play Champions League football, something that he’s very unlikely to achieve at West Ham.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for both Rice and Bellingham, although both are likely to have huge asking prices.

Rice’s performances may end up attracting attention from some of Europe’s top clubs.

Ferdinand won’t have been alone in being impressed with Rice’s performances at the World Cup.

Rice impresses at the World Cup

Speaking on his YouTube channel about the West Ham man, Ferdinand said: “I have to shout out Declan Rice, I have to say because I think he’s been quietly one of our most consistent, best performers.

“I think when you talk to a lot of the foreign players, the legends of the game, and speak to them, and you ask them, ‘out of the English guys [who has impressed you?]’ obviously, you get Bellingham, but most of them come back with Declan Rice as well.

“In terms of the respect around Europe and the world, I think he comes out of this tournament as a player who’s enhanced his reputation.”

Rice now has just over two weeks to prepare for life back in the Premier League.

West Ham face league leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day, as he’s immediately reunited with Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale.

The Hammers currently sit just above the relegation zone, but Moyes will be hoping the break has reset his side’s form.

Rice will need to carry his impressive World Cup form back into the league to help his lift side away from the bottom three.