Much has been said about Declan Rice and his incredible rise to prominence over the past 12 months, and now Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has thrown his two cents in on the topic.
Appearing on Monday Night Football following the Hammers’ 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa, the former Liverpool defender was asked where he can see Rice’s career heading in, and Carragher gave a very interesting verdict on the West Ham midfielder, who yet again starred on the pitch at Villa Park.
The former England centre-back said via Hammers News: “Do I think that Declan Rice could play for a Champions League side in 12 or 18 months? I think he can. I wouldn’t pay £90 million for him of course, but if you’re talking £50 million, I think he can do a job for a Champions League team”
Indeed, the future of Rice has been a hot button issue in the West Ham community, with some fans fearing that the midfielder will one-day pack-up and leave for a bigger club in either England or on the continent.
Although Carragher’s praising of the youngster won’t do anything to downplay the doubts floating around in the minds of supporters, it goes to show just how good Rice can one day become.
With the 20-year-old midfielder already a full England international and likely to make his 100th senior West Ham appearance this season as numbers from Transfermarkt show, the sky really is the limit for Rice, and Carragher’s prediction of the youngster one day being able to play for one of the top teams in world football should excite supporters.
Rice has claimed on multiple occasions that he is happy with West Ham and wants to continue his development at the club, and for now, fans should treasure the time the youngster spends with the east London side as his seemingly promising future continues to unfurl.
