Fans of West Ham United have been reacting to footage posted on Twitter, in which Declan Rice states his desire to one day be captain of West Ham.
Rice, who is an academy graduate of the club, has started all 29 of West Ham’s Premier League fixtures so far this season, without missing a single minute of football, as well as providing two assists.
The £49.5million-rated defensive midfielder has averaged an impressive WhoScored match rating of 6.95 throughout the league this term, currently ranking him as West Ham’s fourth-best performer of the season.
In a recent interview with West Ham legend Tony Cottee, the England international stated: “I’ve had the honour of having the captains armband this season… It felt really special. But look, one day I would love to be captain. I think that’s where I’ve got to set my standards, and I think I’m capable of doing that. I just need to keep getting experience and keep improving my leadership qualities, but, I’m pretty sure I could see myself as captain one day.”
In reaction to the 21-year-old’s comments, West Ham fans flocked to Twitter, with many suggesting that Mark Noble, who currently occupies the role, should pass the armband on to Rice at the end of the season, while others took the opportunity to beg the club’s owners not to sell Rice this summer.
"One day I would love to be captain"
?? @_DeclanRice pic.twitter.com/qgKjqmBBgz
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 11, 2020
Drop noble for soucek on Sunday and make that day happen then
— Jack Dooley (@jackdooley1999) March 11, 2020
If noble gets dropped on sunday would you like to make him the captain instead of creswell?
— S. I. N. G. H (@pacifer123) March 11, 2020
Make him permanent captain at the end of the season. Let nobes pass it on ?
— Samzini? (@Samcam06) March 11, 2020
My hammer of the year
— jack edge (@jackedg96618579) March 11, 2020
Don’t sell him then thanks
— Max (@WhuMax) March 11, 2020
So would we mate, but GSB will cash in on you on the summer 100%
— PDJ (@Patrickj1976) March 11, 2020
Future West Ham captain and legend @_DeclanRice ???
— Clad (@CladMussel) March 11, 2020
What do we think?
Rice’s career trajectory has certainly been a steep one. In the time since the 21-year-old made his Premier League debut in the 2016/17 season, the midfielder has scored two Premier League goals, made his England debut, and reached the landmark of 100 appearances for West Ham. If his career progression continues at this pace, then it is more than likely that he will soon take the armband on a permanent basis.