Declan Rice heaped praise on West Ham youngster Nathan Holland and tipped next season to be the attacker’s time to shine.
Rice shared his high opinion of the 20-year-old Hammers winger on Instagram after Holland claimed he was looking forward to hitting the ground running when pre-season comes around.
“Made up to finish the season feeling strong. Time to recharge and hit the ground running in pre season,” wrote Holland on his personal Instagram.
Rice revealed in a comment on Holland’s post that he thought the 20-year-old was a “big baller” and backed him to standout in his 2019/20 campaign.
“Big baller. Ur time next season bro,” wrote Rice on his verified Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxaktuAYoU/
OPINION
Holland failed to make an appearance for the senior side in his 2018/19 campaign and you feel it was injuries that stopped him from doing so. The 20-year-old winger picked up a few niggles throughout the season, hence why his Instagram post above shows him being grateful about finishing the campaign fit, and it was a shame that he didn’t feature for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. However the experienced manager proved in his first season at the London Stadium that he wouldn’t steer away from using young players, and that more than likely means that if Holland plays his cards right; he’ll soon get an opportunity for the senior side. Holland has regularly delivered the goods for the Hammers’ U23s side, he assisted eight goals in 11 Premier League 2 appearances this season, and he does look capable of stepping up. The 20-year-old has only managed one senior appearance during his spell at the Hammers so far, and you feel he is no chomping at the bit to prove himself sooner rather than later.