Feature

Rice: First-team success reward for hard work

6 Jun 2019

West Ham and England midfielder hoping to prove an inspiration to academy players

Related Articles
Fredericks: I learnt more in PL than in four years
Rice: We have a massive chance to make history External Link

As Declan Rice lined up for England in their UEFA Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands on Thursday, an academy of young talent at West Ham United would be watching, knowing that his hard work has been rewarded. 

After making his Premier League debut on the final day of the 2016/17 season, the Hammers star has progressed in terms of appearances but also as a player.

After 26 PL matches in 2017/18, starting off as a defender, Rice moved to midfield. He appeared in all but four Premier League matches in in 2018/19.

His outstanding performances won him West Ham's Young Hammer of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards and earned him an England debut in March. 

Still only 20, Rice says hard work led to his rise and knows he is an example for the next generation of talent coming through at West Ham. 

'Don't pass up the chance'

"Most of the academy lads are maybe looking up to me and thinking, 'That's where I want to go next,' " Rice said last year.

"That's what working hard does, and training well. It gets you into the first team and playing games.

"You're coming in to train for two hours. Don't pass up that chance to work hard and give everything, because that's what will get you in the side.

"The manager takes everything on board. He's always looking."

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

22 Nov 2024

Fifteen years ago today: Spurs 9-1 Wigan

Jermain Defoe scored FIVE times as EIGHT of Spurs' goals in this incredible win came in the second half

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details