West Ham facing ‘massive loss’ as David Moyes reveals Declan Rice plan – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham “can’t afford” to play Declan Rice at centre-back despite David Moyes’ plans.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed it would be a “massive loss” for the Irons midfield if the 23-year-old deputised for the stricken Kurt Zouma.
According to The Guardian (13 April), Zouma could be out for the remainder of the season after initial scans on an ankle problem.
As quoted by club media, West Ham boss Moyes allayed fears over depth at centre-back, insisting Rice would bring a “different dimension” at the heart of the defence.
As per FBRef, the England international has the fifth-most progressive carries of any Premier League player this season (226).
Whelan insisted Rice’s ability to “drive forward” with “real intent and quality” makes him a “massive loss” in midfield.
“You can’t afford to lose what he brings in midfield,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“It’s a real massive loss if you don’t have a player like Declan Rice in that area. He’s so important.
“He’s that destructor, he can drive forward and eat up 40 yards in the blink of an eye. He goes forward with real intent and quality.
“Putting him in that centre-back role has to be a last resort for West Ham and David Moyes.
“They’re going to have to figure out another plan because that would just be too big of a loss.”
Issa Diop and Craig Dawson are the Irons’ only fit centre-back options at present.
Rice has played 90 minutes in all but two of West Ham’s Premier League fixtures this season.
He is out of contract in June 2024.
In other news, pundit claims West Ham face an impossible Craig Dawson problem after news.