The talent of Declan Rice is no longer a secret on Irish shores, that’s why the mere whisper of those three syllables descends the country into utter chaos.
He’s a brilliant, brilliant player already. We’re not talking about potential or an investment or capping him for the sake of it, we’re talking about one of the finest central midfielders in the Premier League as it stands and it’s just clean crazy that he wasn’t called into competitive Ireland games until this year.
On Thursday night (that’s December 27, if you’ve still lost track of days), the Irish international just put in another effortless masterclass as West Ham came away from the revived Southampton with a 2-1 away win.
Rice was running the show like he has done on numerous occasions already this season. He was intercepting ball, nicking it out of men’s feet and he was controlling the tempo of the fixture with pure composure and pure class.
It was a complete midfield performance again from the 19-year-old who has just 18 months left on his Hammers contract and should expect the club to want to keep hold of him but also offers to come in this summer as other sniff around looking for a bargain.
Declan Rice is so classy on the pitch. Whether your happy with him taking his time on who he alliances with or not, it has to be said it would be huge for us on the pitch if he declares. #COYBIG #DECLANRICE #SOUWHU
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) December 27, 2018
But Rice’s display has caught the eyes of too many English people, for Ireland’s liking.
The only fixture on a Christmas night, a lot of football fans tuned in and watched him play a full game for the first time and they were more than impressed – unfortunately.
I know I'm not the first person to say this, but Declan Rice is so impressive. Such composure. Hard to believe he's not even 20 yet.
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) December 27, 2018
Any Irishman who thinks he shouldn’t be back in the green jersey is an idiot. You hear that, Kilbane?
Declan Rice has been ludicrously good so far. To witness such composure and game-reading abilities in a 19-year-old is exceedingly rare. Any Irishman who doesn't want to see him in an Irish shirt again is nuts. #SOUWHU #WHUFC #COYI #COYBIG
— Alan O'Brien (@alanob2112) December 27, 2018
And fans of bigger clubs are raising their eyebrows. From Liverpool to Manchester City.
Liverpool need to buy Declan Rice
Superb footballer#lfc
— Paul D (@BellaghyPaulD) December 27, 2018
Declan Rice is pure quality. Only 1 year remains of his contract which means that he’s available for a low fee in the summer. He’s worth a shot.
— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) December 27, 2018
The level he’s operating at is amazing.
Declan Rice, looks a quality player. Strong, composed, effective. #SOUWHU
— Mike Wardle (@wards_mike) December 27, 2018
Still struggling with the fact Declan Rice is 19 what a player every touch calm collected and reads the game so well long may we be singing his name
— Mark ⚒ Smith (@ironworks68) December 27, 2018
Ed Chamberlin – football commentator Ed Chamberlin – hadn’t watched him until now?
Well, now he has.
First time I’ve seen Declan Rice live. Composed & classy. Is he really only 19??
— Ed Chamberlin (@chamberlinsport) December 27, 2018
And the rest of the English are interested because… well, Eric Dier.
Declan Rice > Eric Dier
— samuel priddle (@samuelDpriddle) December 27, 2018
Continue to be impressed with Declan Rice – plays like a young, old Roy Keane
— James Price (@JamesPsoccer) December 27, 2018
Really hope Declan Rice commits to England just so I can potentially see a midfield and attack of at some point in my lifetime:
———Rice——-Winks———
Sterling——Foden———Sancho
—————-Kane——————
🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
— David Pipe (@DavidJPipe) December 27, 2018
If only he could just keep a lid on it until he possibly makes a return to Ireland, which Mick McCarthy was talking about this week.
It's gotten to the point where you want Declan Rice to play badly so the hype dies down and he declares for Ireland. Based on tonight not likely
— Neil Baker (@Thebaker0805) December 27, 2018
West Ham have moved up to ninth now, joint with eight-placed Everton and a point off Leicester.
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