There haven’t been many positives for West Ham supporters to take from this season so far. Despite a very solid start to the campaign, one that saw them rise to fifth in the Premier League table, their form has plummeted since in really rather miserable fashion.
In fact, after beating Manchester United in September, they’ve won just three of their 15 games, part of a run that saw Manuel Pellegrini lose his job as Hammers manager as the expensively assembled Irons squad hovers just above the relegation zone as thing stand.
Still, arguably One positive has been the continued good form of midfielder Declan Rice. The 21-year-old hasn’t missed a minute in the Premier League so far this season, forming a solid midfield base alongside club captain Mark Noble. Indeed, no one in the squad averages more tackles per game (3.2, via WhoScored) or interceptions (2.1), while he boasts the highest average of passes over the same period (48.8) at the highest success rate (87.9%).
As a result, his form has been recognised within the club, winning the Players’ Player of the Year, while also scooping the Young Hammer of the Year award in three consecutive seasons. Recently, such ability has attracted potential suitors with the likes of Manchester United linked, and Hammers fans fear the worst regarding his future at the London Stadium.
So, after the club took to Twitter to celebrate all things Rice, here’s how fans reacted.
Be gone next year
— DanKelleher⚒ (@WestHamKezza91) January 14, 2020
✅ Leaving West Ham in the mud
— chris (@whuchr) January 14, 2020
Playing for a team teetering on the brink of relegation. I’m sure as an asset he will be sold.
— Penny Wise (@Penny4641) January 14, 2020
✅ Relegation
— WestHamFanTone (@WestHamFanTone) January 14, 2020
If we have any ambition the sort of player we need to keep hold of. As long as he keeps working hard and improving then clearly next WHU Captain and someone to build a team around.
— Gumbo74 (@glynsmith74) January 14, 2020
Just a shame we’ll lose him when we get relegated
— Tony (@E16ironworks) January 14, 2020
What does the future hold for Rice? Join the discussion by commenting below…
