OPINION
The midfielder many Liverpool fans were talking about in the wake of Monday night’s dispiriting draw against West Ham was not wearing the grey shirt of the away side. It was claret-and-blue rising star Declan Rice, the outstanding midfielder on view as the Hammers held the title chasers to a 1-1 draw. Felipe Anderson was the official man-of-the-match, but the best player on the pitch was Rice. The youngster only turned 20 a few weeks ago, but his maturity stood out as Liverpool were denied the space and time to create chances, especially in the second half when their pedestrian play was in stark contrast to Rice’s energy and zest. He could have scored the winner for the hosts, but a bullet first-half header missed the upright by just a few inches. That would have crowned an excellent performance from a player who plenty of Liverpool fans were watching enviously. Some urged the club to go out and sign someone they feel would fit perfectly into their team.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
I'd take Declan Rice off their hands on thus performance. We're not making it difficult for him … but he has more than enough about him.
One to watch!! #LFC #WHU— Graham Boden (@therealgeebers) February 4, 2019
Rice could stroll into #LFC's starting XI tomorrow. This is not a drill.
— Jed Dawson (@TheRealJed) February 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/LI4MYNWA/status/1092532259515699200
Declan Rice had another belter today. Pick England Dec lad. Would fit in our side perfectly
— tom boardman (@tucker004) February 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/kvn_clmn/status/1092525408229171201
Imagine being our best chance of a title in 29 years, drawing 1-1 and playing the ball from side to side ?. Flat, lacked energy, lacked everything. West Ham we’re class, Rice absolute rock in the middle. Probably deserved more than a point to be fair. Shocking from #LFC
— Chris (@CJMunro96) February 4, 2019