Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith has cast doubt over the future of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice by remarking on whether he will return to the central defence or remain in the middle.
Rice has been something of a revelation for the Irons this season, having previously been deployed as a centre half for the Hammers, and has proved most effective since Manuel Pellegrini started operating him as a defensive midfielder.
He been a mainstay in the first team ever since, and Smith questioned when – or if – the young ace will return to his defensive duties, however, he thinks moving Rice back would be a bad move for Pellegrini, especially with Mark Noble suspended.
“The reputation of Declan Rice continues to grow as an effective holding midfielder. Given his success, I’m not sure when or if he’ll return to central defence,” he said in his Evening Standard column.
“At the moment, Manuel Pellegrini can’t afford to move him, especially with Mark Noble suspended for this one.”
OPINION
It is easy to forget that Declan Rice once excelled as a central defender at West Ham given his success as a defensive midfielder. He has been raved about week after week for his displays, and sometimes it is hard to remember that he is only 19-years-old. However, Smith is right – switching Rice back into the defence would not be the wisest of moves from Pellegrini, especially as the Irons are a man down in the midfield due to the suspension of Noble. The midfield has taken a hit recently, so the Chilean needs to retain Rice in his current position for as long as possible. Rice will no doubt impress as much in the centre of defence as he does in midfield, but one thing is for sure – the midfield would not be as half as good without the youngster there. He has been a revelation – and that will only set to continue.