Declan Rice completed 90 minutes for West Ham in their victory over Cheltenham – and the club’s supporters raved about his performance on Twitter.
The 18-year-old kept his place in midfield as the Hammers beat the League Two side 2-0 in the Carabao Cup second round.
Slaven Bilic has introduced the academy graduate into the first team during the opening two games of the Premier League season and he got another chance to impress in the cup.
Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew were on the scoresheet for the visitors and they they have now set up a home tie against Bolton in the third round.
West Ham fans were particularly pleased with the display of Rice on Wednesday night and feel he has a very bright future at the club.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Declan rice,you little gem ? coyi
— come on you irons (@frenchbull2012) August 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/M1tchyC/status/900438746176335873
Rice looks like he can become a really good player. Goes looking for the ball which is a great sign. #COYI
— Jack Meoff (@Scriv007) August 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/RickyJwhu/status/900440252493516803
Declan rice is going to be a great player! MOM tonight by far #WHUFC #COYI
— Gavlar (@Gavlar20) August 23, 2017
Declan Rice is great at CDM! #WHUFC #COYI
— West Ham News & Views (@WestHamViews_) August 23, 2017
Rice is looking brilliant! #COYI #CHELWHU ????
— hollseey (@hollseey) August 23, 2017
Declan Rice the classiest player on the pitch tonight. Nobes the slowest. Changing of the guard. #coyi ??
— Dandino (@dandino66) August 23, 2017
Rice is a product of the West Ham academy and has been a centre-back during his development, but has made his impact as a defensive midfielder at the beginning of his senior career.
The Irishman has not looked back since his senior debut against Manchester United on the opening day of the season and started the club’s next two games.
He has caught the eye for his composure on the pitch and the brilliant range of passing at his disposal.
Rice will be hoping to continue his run in the side when West Ham travel to Newcastle for a league fixture and both teams will be desperate to chalk up their first points of the season.