Declan Rice told to ‘stop moaning’ after West Ham quotes emerge – pundit
Kevin Campbell has suggested West Ham captain Declan Rice should stop “moaning” about the fixture schedule.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said the 23-year-old has to accept the “demands” of playing at the “top level”.
Rice has been ever-present for the Hammers in the Premier League this season.
As quoted by the Daily Mail (6 October), the centre-midfielder highlighted that he played 68 games from June 2021 to June 2022.
The England international claimed the amount of games he has played is “obscene” and added he is “knackered” after every game.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Rice’s comments, Campbell said: “These players are living everyone’s dream.
“What are you moaning about? You are getting paid to play football. It is a privileged position. 100 per cent.
“It does not mean that players cannot be tired though. Declan Rice is a young player who is starting to understand what it means to be part of a successful squad. West Ham went deep into the Europa League last season. It brings different demands on you as a player.
“Rice is the leader at West Ham now than Mark Noble has retired. He has to understand that there are more demands. How do you think the Liverpool players felt last season after playing in every game of the season?
“The other teams have bigger squad, granted. Unfortunately, David Moyes does not have that luxury. Rice has to play almost every game.
“Can he be tired? Of course. But if you want to play at the top level these are the demands.”
In other news, an ex-Premier League referee has claimed West Ham have profited from a major injustice as controversial Craig Dawson footage emerges.