That’s more like it.
The last couple of weeks have been up there with the most trying in Declan Rice’s fledgeling career. This season has offered significant evidence that the West Ham and Republic of Ireland defender has a bright future ahead of him in football.
Of course, like any budding star, there are a few bumps along the way and, should he go onto to fulfill his tremendous promise, Rice will look back on the last fortnight as one of the most robust character-building journeys he’s been on.
The 19-year-old endured a chastening afternoon against Arsenal two weeks ago, ducking to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to head home and give the Gunners the lead.
Having admitted his error on social media after the game, Rice was subjected to stinging criticism from his own manager when David Moyes said he ‘had no idea’ why the defender would duck in that situation.
I'm young.. I'll make mistakes.. it's all a leaning process to get to the top. thank you too the fans again who were brilliant❤⚒ ready to bounce back next week.
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) April 22, 2018
Another deflating experience followed, this time against Pep Guardiola’s merciless, newly-crowned champions Manchester City.
After the City game, there were calls for the youngster to be taken out of the firing line but Moyes resisted, instead maintaining his trust in the teenager for the crucial trip to Leicester on Saturday.
Rice was a player reborn. Not only did he recapture his composure and confidence, he managed to keep Jamie Vardy, one of the Premier League’s most menacing strikers, quiet throughout the 90 minutes as the Hammers won 2-0.
Joao Mario and Marko Arnautovic scored either side of half-time to virtually secure West Ham’s safety.
With major question marks over whether Rice had the temperament and experience to perform under such intense pressure – with West Ham’s top-flight status on the line week after week – the young defender responded in the most effective manner imaginable.
Picture sums up what it meant to us today❤ what a win & what a performance. BEST FANS IN THE LEAGUE👏⚒ THANK YOU!! #COYI pic.twitter.com/thFjSk7tKf
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) May 5, 2018
Well played Dec..is it painful having @vardy7 in ur back pocket?
— Hammers ⚒ ⚒ ⚒ (@Joey041992) May 5, 2018
With two games remaining, the Hammers are now five points clear of safety and will hope to mathematically make sure of survival when they host Manchester United on Thursday night.
Rice had a match to forget against the blue side of Manchester but, make no mistake, he will be in a better place mentally as he prepares to take on the red half.
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