Declan Rice: Pundit issues ‘massive’ verdict on West Ham replacing ‘special’ £100m man this summer
West Ham face a “very hard” struggle to replace “really special” midfielder Declan Rice this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old has become a “complete” player after adding “more and more strings to his bow”.
Rice showed off his new-found attacking prowess on Saturday (5 February), jinking past onrushing Kidderminster Harriers defenders to spare West Ham’s blushes in an eventual extra-time FA Cup fourth-round victory.
Speaking in a press conference and quoted by Sky Sports on Tuesday (8 February), manager David Moyes insisted the midfielder will be a “future England captain” and claimed he is worth “£100million” in the transfer market.
When asked if West Ham could replace Rice, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “You can always replace players like-for-like in the transfer market.
“Whether you can replace the energy and desire that Rice brings, that’s another story.
“He’s a really special player. We’re starting to see him going forward as well with real intent, whereas before he was more of a holding, defensive midfielder.
“He can really drive into the heart of opponents. He’s adding more and more strings to his bow to become that complete player.
“He’s the club captain and he’s leading by example. £100million sounds about right for someone of his magnitude. You look at Jack Grealish, he was exactly the same.
“It’ll be very hard for West Ham to replace that presence and character. It’s massively important they get it right.”
West Ham sit fourth in the Premier League.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all reportedly plotting moves for the England international if the Hammers cannot qualify for the Champions League this term.
In other news, pundit predicts Moyes will be seething behind closed doors after transfer reveal.