Declan Rice Reveals Vieira, Yaya Toure Inspiration
Declan Rice says he has been studying Premier League greats Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure for improvements to his game.
Rice is predominately known to be a holding midfielder but the 22-year-old England international believes he has more arsenal in his armoury than just sitting in front of a back four.
Rice has made 27 appearances for West Ham United this season, scoring once, and has been skippering David Moyes’ side in the absence of Mark Noble, who is no longer a guaranteed starter at the London Stadium.
“I think a lot of people see me as a simple, basic player who gets it, gives it and protects the back four,” Rice told Sky Sports following West Ham’s 2-0 win over Leeds United on Monday.
“I know, my team-mates know and the manager knows what I’ve got in my locker.
“I want to show that I can be exciting and I can take the ball forward. I have great athleticism.”
“I’ve been watching the top players over the years, the Yaya Toures, the Vieiras.
“There’s a long way to go to get to that level. But the way they used to carry the ball up the pitch and drive their teams forward is something I have been trying to learn and add to my game.”
Former France international Vieira won three Premier League titles in his time at Arsenal while Toure also won the English top flight three times with Manchester City.
