Just like that, everyone's talking about Republic of Ireland youngster Declan Rice.
The Premier League's top marksman this season couldn't find his groove on Thursday night and Declan Rice is deservedly getting a lot of the credit.
West Ham United have edged further out of the relegation zone after holding Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw in Wembley. While Pedro Obiang's goal of the season contender was crucial to the point, it was the Hammers' defensive prowess that earned the accolades after the final whistle blew.
Angelo Ogbonna's performance earned rave reviews, but Rice was the man who turned the most heads with his showing in defence.
https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/949047024401436675
Former Hammer Joe Cole led the praise for Rice after the match. He believes Rice is the homegrown academy graduate fans have been waiting for.
"They've (West Ham) not seen a young player come through in a long time, and stay there. This kid here, looking at him, he could get in and stay in; and that's what the punters thrive off. They want to see one of their own in there."
Rice has represented the Republic of Ireland from u-16 right up to u-21 level. Although he was born in London, he qualifies for the Boys In Green through his Cork grandparents. He was brought into the senior Ireland squad for friendlies against Uruguay, Mexico and the World Cup qualifier against Austria, but has yet to earn that elusive first cap.
After his performance on Thursday night though, fans will be hoping Martin O'Neill gets him in the team sooner rather than later.
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