Chris Hamill has featured on the latest edition of Football Daily’s Sunday Vibes to have his say on the performances of some of the Premier League’s top performers this season.
Discussing each club’s top performer this season, Hamill hailed the performances of Tomas Soucek, but put in a word for West Ham United teammate Declan Rice’s displays this season.
Rice has featured 29 times for the Hammers this term in the Premier League and has been able to find the back of the net once and provide one assist in those games (via Transfermarkt).
Speaking prior to the West Ham’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, Hamill had this to say on about the £60k-per-week star’s season so far.
He said: “Now this isn’t me saying I think [Tomas] Soucek is the best player at West Ham because I think that is probably Declan Rice, right?
“From a technical standpoint, most tackles and interceptions in the squad as well. First in the Premier League for interceptions, actually, in that regard and first for successful dribbles, which is pretty insane – 87.5% completion rate. Now he’s probably only trying one a game, but actually reminiscent of Mousa Dembele in his heyday at Spurs, isn’t it?”
Should West Ham cash in on Rice this summer?
Yes
No
Rice was once again called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their World Cup qualifiers, with the midfielder expected to be at the centre of the Three Lions’ midfield.
TIF Thoughts on Hamill’s comments…
Mousa Dembele proved a popular figure during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder was never renowned for scoring goals or even providing assists (via Transfermarkt), however, his elegance in the middle of the park is what won him his admirers.
Although we can understand where Hamill is coming from, Rice certainly has a different style of play to Dembele with the Englishman arguably showing more ability in defending than the Belgian did at Spurs.