West Ham took on Chelsea today in the lunch time kick off this evening and managed to keep the Blues scoreless in a 0-0 draw at the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini had his side well drilled heading into the game as the Hammers put in a solid defensive performance, and could have even nicked it, with Michail Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko both spurning good chances during the game.
One man who central to West Ham's defensive resolve was Declan Rice. The 19-year-old was one of the Manuel Pellegrini's best performers on the day, something that his manager alluded to in his post match interview:
I see Declan working every day and I know the way he does it. He has lots of intensity, learning a lot about not losing his position. He can be a very good centre-back and a holding midfielder and he has taken his chance.
On Sky Sports Super Sunday Graeme Souness was asked about Rice's growing reputation at the club and he singled out the player's defensive awareness and positioning as two qualities that West Ham benefited from today:
He's a centre half isn't he? I heard someone saying in midweek I think it was Tony Gale, 'he's the best centre half they've got at the club', and they're playing with him in midfield. He'll have a defensive head on him and I thought today it's not always about being on the ball in that position a large part of it is filling spaces where you think the danger is and I thought West Ham looked like a proper team today.
Viewers were also impressed with the youngster's performance, and with the London born footballer yet to decide his international future, it highlights how much the Republic could do with Rice in their ranks:
Very good performance well done lads! Thought Fabianski was superb! A great signing. Thought @_DeclanRice was brilliant again. So composed for 19. Happy with that ⚒
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) September 23, 2018
It’s mad some of these tweets.
It was only a month ago people were saying Declan Rice is out he’s depth after only 45 mins at Anfield, now he’s the dogs bollocks etc.
Truth is, he is the dogs bollocks and a lot of you judged VERY quick.@_DeclanRice goes to the top of this game!— Baz Cox ⚒ (@Baz1980WHU) September 17, 2018
Good first half from Declan Rice v Chelsea. He has something.
— The Notorious Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) September 23, 2018
Declan Rice vs Chelsea
28 passes
79% pass accuracy
1 dribble won
1 tackle won
4 interceptions
5 clearances
1 aerial won
3 accurate long ballsBecoming better and better in that defensive midfield role. pic.twitter.com/Xh2BFTJqTj
— FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) September 23, 2018
Another Superb performance from you today Declan but also a Great Team effort! ??? #COYI
— ⚒Adrian Smith⚒ (@adiesmith64) September 23, 2018
Superb again today Declan! Incredible that you’re only 19 and you’re playing like you’ve been in the premier league for years! Great game mate COYI ⚒⚒
— ⚒jack⚒ (@Jack_Ryan_123) September 23, 2018
Gutted we didn’t take all 3 points today but a solid performance & point regardless, we go again next week❤️⚒ #COYI @WestHamUtd
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) September 23, 2018
