Legendary striker Alan Shearer has included West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in his Premier League Team of the Week, as revealed on the league’s official Twitter account.
The 20-year-old put in another extraordinary performance as Manuel Pellegrini’s side secured a creditable 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Monday.
This was merely the latest in a string of exceptional displays for the youngster this season, as he has evolved into one of the finest young talents in the Premier League.
Rice joins the likes of Wolves’ Matt Doherty and Jonny, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Chelsea’s Gonzalo Higuain in Shearer’s top selection of players.
OPINION
This is undoubtedly deserved. Rice was tremendous in the Hammers midfield on Monday, limiting the Reds’ offensive capabilities and forming a solid barrier in front of the West Ham defence alongside Mark Noble. It’s been said so many times already but it bears repeating, Rice has been absolutely phenomenal this campaign. He is surely in the running for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award, with possibly only Bournemouth’s David Brooks challenging him. To be able to cope with all of Liverpool’s myriad weapons is commendable for any player, let alone one as young as Rice. There weren’t too many standout performers in the Premier League last weekend, aside from the three strikers, but Rice was certainly one of them. He is simply a remarkable midfielder these days and there are few better than him in the top flight at present. He deserves this spot in the team and having it come from Shearer will be a big honour for him.