Pellegrini Makes England Case For Declan Rice

By Joshua Walters

West Ham manager has described Declan Rice as the best holding midfielder in England as he likens the player to former Liverpool and Barcelona midfield kingpin, Javier Mascherano, and Manchester City’s Fernandinho.

Rice, 20, has seen his stock rise this season after churning out several impressive performances for the Hammers, scoring the winning goal against Arsenal in recent weeks. 

Despite only controversially switching his nationality from Irish to English last week, his manager insists he’s ready enough to cut it straight away on the international scene ‘He is ready to play for England,’ Pellegrini said. 

‘We are just starting the development of him as a player. ‘But at this moment his performances are better than every holding midfielder.' 

‘At least I am talking about the English players. Maybe there are other foreign players in big teams also playing well, like Fernandinho. 

‘But I repeat we are just starting to see what will be with Declan in the future. Rice played in West Ham’s recent 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.'

‘He is improving in a lot of different things in that position. Maybe he must improve more and have a better view of the pitch but he has such good technique that he never misses a pass.'

‘He is always keeping his position in the correct moment so as a young player he will always be learning more things, but at this moment he is a complete player.’ 

Pellegrini managed a 17-year-old Mascherano at River Plate, another player who had a brief spell playing for the Hammers. 

‘Mascherano at 17 was similar to Declan in his mentality,’ Pellegrini added. ‘They seem to have the mentality of a 35-year-old.'

‘But Declan knows he is just starting and that is important.’ West Ham will face Fulham in the Premier League later on today, before an important game against Manchester City on February 27.'