Journalist Dean Jones has claimed West Ham United captain Declan Rice's form will be responsible for keeping his side in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Hammers struggle...

After a summer of heavy investment, the Hammers haven't exactly lived up to expectation domestically and this 2022/2023 campaign could be somewhat of a write-off.

West Ham's main goal now is to avoid a drop down to the Championship with manager David Moyes currently under pressure to turn the tide.

Moyes' side currently sit just outside the relegation places, one point ahead of 18th-placed Everton, but face a tough test with Chelsea next on the fixture list.

The Latest: Journalist makes West Ham survival claim...

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones says that Rice has had a 'big' impact on their fight for survival and believes the midfielder's influence will keep them up.

He said:

"I don't think we've seen enough yet to say that they're easily going to get out of this, but what I would say is that having Declan Rice in there is going to be a huge influence in helping them.

"If I'm honest, because of him, I don't think they'll go down. The impact that he's having is as big as I think you'll see from any one player in any team anywhere in the game at the moment.

"He's playing so well and, again, it brings you onto the conversation of just how good a signing he will be for someone in the summer."

The Verdict: Correct call?

The 24-year-old seems set to be one of the most heavily-courted top flight stars this summer with Arsenal and Chelsea both eyeing a move.

Rice is attracting serious interest from the country's most prestigious clubs and the England international has certainly justified it with some phenomenal performances.

According to WhoScored, Rice stands out as West Ham's best-performing player by average match rating whilst making more interceptions per 90 than any Irons teammate.

Having been called a 'force of nature' by members of the press, Moyes' star man is a colossal presence for West Ham and his performances will certainly be a major factor in keeping the east Londoner afloat.

Real Madrid are also said to be interested in Rice, which says a lot given their stature as one of world football's powerhouse elite clubs.

While West Ham will have to face the possibility of his exit at the end of 2022/23, in the mean time, Rice could well save his club from a drop to the second tier.