Alan Smith was left drooling over Declan Rice after the West Ham midfielder enjoyed a man of the match display in the 1-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday.
Rice, 19, scored his first senior goal just after half-time to earn the Hammers all three points at the London Stadium when he blasted Samir Nasri’s pass into the back of the net.
Arsenal legend Smith was thrilled with Rice’s contribution, claiming that it was even more impressive because of the way he has transitioned from playing as a defender into a midfielder.
“Declan Rice has been absolutely outstanding,” said Smith during Sky Sports Main Event’s commentary on Saturday afternoon.
“For somebody brought up as a centre-half, he’s positional sense is uncanny.
“He looks an absolute natural in that holding midfield position.”
OPINION
Rice was superb against Arsenal. Even if he didn’t grab the winning goal, the midfielder probably would have won man of the match for his display on Saturday. The Gunners failed to score because they struggled to get past the Hammers’ midfield, where Rice was playing. The three-times Ireland international, who could yet play for England, is a really exciting player and is one of the best that West Ham have produced in a long time. It was such a boost for the club and it’s fans when Rice signed a new long-term deal. His future would have been under great doubt this month if he hadn’t put pen to paper, so it’s good that he can just get his head down now and continue playing good football. As for Marko Arnautovic, it appears as though speculation has got the better of him. He looked like he was waving goodbye to the London Stadium when he was substituted off in the second-half. If only Manuel Pellegrini could keep this squad of players together for a couple of years.