Watching Declan Rice it is hard to believe he is only 22 years old, he plays with a composure and ability way beyond his years but perhaps needs to be reined back. Rice's more recent advanced role may be pleasing on the eye but there is a growing opinion that the team suffers as a consequence.
Much of last season's success was based on a midfield that could not be bettered, it relied on Rice holding the defence allowing Tomas Soucek to make his trademark runs into the box, more often than not with devastating effect! Rice's managers both domestically and Internationally have decided 'Decs' is well suited to bring the ball out of defence and continue on from there.
The problem Hammers are facing is that while Rice might enjoy going forward his main role as a midfield destroyer who snuffs out the opposition's attacks, whereas Soucek is an out and out box to box player and is not ideally suited to the holding midfield role.
Perhaps Moyes might want to take heed of the old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and do a switcheroo with their current roles. - Ed
Comments
Not on your nelly Nev ,i
Not on your nelly Nev ,i wouldnt touch Rice ,I'd let him do whatever he wants ,he can sit down in the centre circle and read the Guardian if he wants ,on the other hand Souchec isnt the player he was ,he looks creamed after 10 minutes, badly needs to be re- assessed and rested if need be.
Big Dec reads The Guardian
Big Dec reads The Guardian pissed my pants, love it.............