Declan Rice

[Lennon7]

Very confused reading up, thought Loublaze was saying West Ham fans regard Rice as being one of their best ever until I realised everyone was on about Neves... in a Rice thread...

 

[Aloysius's Back 3]

@deafepl

I was going to write back on your thread but it had closed.

Rice in my opinion is the perfect 3rd CB. I've said this before but 3 at the back won't work without a CDM that aims to drop in to the defensive line and make the defense spread out. Its funny how people compare him to Dier & I've said before Dier is the perfect player for a back 3 when playing centrally.

Rice in such a position can drop back in to defence when the opposition start to attack whilst being the first man forward to be committed to a tackle from deep.

Once he does that he is the man to start our counter attack - whilst we definitely need better composed creative passers in midfield - We also need a player like Rice that wins the ball to initiate the attack; ultimately not getting the ball isnt going to help as attack at all.

Furthermore he is the type of player that provides strength and grit in the middle of defence whilst players like Lindelof or potentially left sided players like Ake or De ligt to concentrate on ball playing.


The 352 we saw against City is Ole's plan but it won't work without having a 'false CB' from midfield that creates a defensive back 3 that allows the wingbacks to go forward.

Just as much as the 'false CB' provides width to the 2 CB's - we also need a false 9 that drops in to deep first before widening the attack provided by our two sided forwards.

 

[Negan]

You obviously haven't seen much of Neves if you think his performances warrant a move to a bigger club.

He will almost certainly join one of City/Liverpool/Chelsea/Spurs/United in the summer.

If you’re happy to see our rivals snatch him from under our nose, then more fool you.

I already watched this happen with Mane, Van Dijk, Bernardo Silva, Kante and De Bruyne.

 

[devilish]

I wouldn't mind throwing 30m to get him

 

[Adnan]

He will almost certainly join one of City/Liverpool/Chelsea/Spurs/United in the summer.

If you’re happy to see our rivals snatch him from under our nose, then more fool you.

I already watched this happen with Mane, Van Dijk, Bernardo Silva, Kante and De Bruyne.

Mane, Van Dijk, Bernardo Silva and KDB actually were doing superb before they were signed. Neves hasn't even impressed in the EPL for Wolves. Would have to be a blind fool to sign Neves after his underwhelming season.

 

[deafepl]

@deafepl

I was going to write back on your thread but it had closed.

Rice in my opinion is the perfect 3rd CB. I've said this before but 3 at the back won't work without a CDM that aims to drop in to the defensive line and make the defense spread out. Its funny how people compare him to Dier & I've said before Dier is the perfect player for a back 3 when playing centrally.

Rice in such a position can drop back in to defence when the opposition start to attack whilst being the first man forward to be committed to a tackle from deep.

Once he does that he is the man to start our counter attack - whilst we definitely need better composed creative passers in midfield - We also need a player like Rice that wins the ball to initiate the attack; ultimately not getting the ball isnt going to help as attack at all.

Furthermore he is the type of player that provides strength and grit in the middle of defence whilst players like Lindelof or potentially left sided players like Ake or De ligt to concentrate on ball playing.


The 352 we saw against City is Ole's plan but it won't work without having a 'false CB' from midfield that creates a defensive back 3 that allows the wingbacks to go forward.

Just as much as the 'false CB' provides width to the 2 CB's - we also need a false 9 that drops in to deep first before widening the attack provided by our two sided forwards.

Just perfect way to describe Ole's system, it was obvious he like false 9 like to drop in between the lines we have seen (he uses that role for Modle too), sometimes he wants two wide players to go deep with the defender following so it creates space for a midfielder like Pogba to exploit with his run. I think he knows he doesn't have DM who can play false CB, Matic and Mctominay can't play that role so well. With false CB like Rice, he can allow fullback to play higher to supply attacking and help to create a combination for the likes of Pogba and Martial on left flank which makes it more impossible to defend against if they're on 3 v 2 and could help to press to close them when we lost ball higher to close space, (we still need to improve our pressing as unit( I hope there'd be improvement in pre-season).

That's why targeting Rice make a sense even though he doesn't have world-class passing but he has many attributes that Ole requires for DM role that can play as false CB.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

We need to severely improve our buildup especially from deep areas and this is the player who will help do that?

 

[Robbie Boy]

Mane, Van Dijk, Bernardo Silva and KDB actually were doing superb before they were signed. Neves hasn't even impressed in the EPL for Wolves. Would have to be a blind fool to sign Neves after his underwhelming season.

Funny you’re jizzing over Rice and slating Neves when both have very similar ratings this season. Rice isn’t that and it’s all ridiculous hype, it’s that simple, it really is.

 

[Adnan]

Funny you’re jizzing over Rice and slating Neves when both have very similar ratings this season. Rice isn’t that and it’s all ridiculous hype, it’s that simple, it really is.

Where have I jizzed over Rice you numpty..

 

[Robbie Boy]

Where have I jizzed over Rice you numpty..

Ok, so you’re all for signing Rice while claiming Neves has had a shit season. Statistically - in their respective roles - both score very similarly ratings wise. I don’t get it? Care to explain?

Rice is fast becoming the most overrated Caf obsession ever at this rate. As I said, I bet on Liverpool, City, etc forums they don’t even talk about him. Do you know why? Because while City chase genuine future stars such as Rodri, the Caf fawns all over Declan fecking Rice. Standards are so bad these days but fans have no right to complain about standards at the club when they’re ready to accept bang average mediocrity.

 

[OLLY ORANGE]

Got concerns over his pace, what ive seen I'm not convinced, should be looking elsewhere.

 

[Loublaze]

I always find this strange with Carrick that apparently people on here didn’t rate him before we signed him. I wasn’t a member on here at the time but everyone I knew thought Carrick was brilliant. I remember being so excited when we signed him as arsenal had been heavily linked too.

Its mostly because he wasn't a Kean clone, something fans were desperate for at the time. He also wore Keane's number, which really angered some

Really? That's nuts after 18 months.

Yep. A good number of them think he is

 

[Robbie Boy]

Its mostly because he wasn't a Kean clone, something fans were desperate for at the time. He also wore Keane's number, which really angered some

Chasing the ‘next Keane’ was a long drawn out affair that never transpired. Carrick is up there in my list of favorites, he was bloody excellent. How we could do with a Carrick clone today...

 

[Adnan]

Ok, so you’re all for signing Rice while claiming Neves has had a shit season. Statistically - in their respective roles - both score very similarly ratings wise. I don’t get it? Care to explain?

Rice is fast becoming the most overrated Caf obsession ever at this rate. As I said, I bet on Liverpool, City, etc forums they don’t even talk about him. Do you know why? Because while City chase genuine future states such as Rodri, the Caf fawns all over Declan fecking Rice. Standards are so bad these days but fans have no right to complain about standards at the club when they’re ready to accept bang average mediocrity.

Neves is a DLP that's only ever performed consistently in the Championship and isn't quick or mobile enough to play the #6 role without someone next to him. Rice is a combative #6 that could play the DM role on his own due to being quick and mobile compared to Neves. I'd take Ndidi and Gueye over Neves who hasn't proven anything in the EPL.

 

[Robbie Boy]

Neves is a DLP that's only ever performed consistently in the Championship and isn't quick or mobile enough to play the #6 role without someone next to him. Rice is a combative #6 that could play the DM role on his own due to being quick and mobile compared to Neves. I'd take Ndidi and Gueye over Neves who hasn't proven anything in the EPL.

Ndidi and Gueye are also better than Rice. Neves and Rice are totally different players but as I said, both have scored similarly ratings wise in their ‘respective roles’. Naturally, I’m using the term ‘respective roles’ as both play totally different roles. I find it odd though you say Neves has been poor while Rice has been good. Both have been fairly average in all honesty and the ratings prove that.

 

[Loublaze]

Chasing the ‘next Keane’ was a long drawn out affair that never transpired. Carrick is up there in my list of favorites, he was bloody excellent. How we could do with a Carrick clone today...

He was one of my favorites as well. I defended him to the hilt when they called him sideways Carrick. Him and Fletcher got so much stick, but Fletcher won the fans over before Carrick did

 

[Robbie Boy]

He was one of my favorites as well. I defended him to the hilt when they called him sideways Carrick. Him and Fletcher got so much stick, but Fletcher won the fans over before Carrick did

Mad isn’t it, both did get dogs abuse but what most would do to have both today in their prime.

 

[Adnan]

Ndidi and Gueye are also better than Rice. Neves and Rice are totally different players but as I said, both have scored similarly ratings wise in their ‘respective roles’. Naturally, I’m using the term ‘respective roles’ as both play totally different roles. I find it odd though you say Neves has been poor while Rice has been good. Both have been fairly average in all honesty and the ratings prove that.

Of course they're different players. Rice is a young kid that's only 20 but has done very well according to the hammers fans I speak to. The Wolves fans aren't as complimentary over Neves in the EPL after his good season in the Championship. I don't particularly watch either player but Rice has been doing well in comparison, from what i've read from West Ham fans.

 

[Negan]

Mane, Van Dijk, Bernardo Silva and KDB actually were doing superb before they were signed. Neves hasn't even impressed in the EPL for Wolves. Would have to be a blind fool to sign Neves after his underwhelming season.

How has he “not impressed”? He’s 22. Scored goals against Arsenal and Liverpool and bossed the midfield against us. He shoots from long range, can take free kicks, has good interceptions, good passing... how would he NOT be an improvement on literally every CM we have?

 

[Robbie Boy]

Of course they're different players. Rice is a young kid that's only 20 but has done very well according to the hammers fans I speak to. The Wolves fans aren't as complimentary over Neves in the EPL after his good season in the Championship. I don't particularly watch either player but Rice has been doing well in comparison, from what i've read from West Ham fans.

Not seeing it. Neves has had plenty of good games this season so I’m not sure what these Wolves fans expect? This is a 22 year old that has captained a CL side ffs, he’s clearly a very talented player with a huge pedigree. Rice is what, two or so years younger. Both haven’t been great this season and I see that maybe Moutinho has somewhat overshadowed Neves this season but I have no doubt Neves will end up at a top club.

Rice, for me, has basically had this huge exposure due to his international nonsense which has elevated him well above the player he actually is. He honestly is nothing special and I’m confident he never will be. Anyhow, it seems only RedCafe is linking Rice with us (possibly the non-believable rag papers too) so I’m sure I’ve nothing to worry about and we’ll be leaving him at West Ham where he belongs.

 

[Adnan]

How has he “not impressed”? He’s 22. Scored goals against Arsenal and Liverpool and bossed the midfield against us. He shoots from long range, can take free kicks, has good interceptions, good passing... how would he NOT be an improvement on literally every CM we have?

The Wolves fans are saying he hasn't been as good in the EPL. He's found the step up from the Championship a struggle at times. He scored against Liverpool reserves where the Scousers even gave a 16 year old lad a game.

 

[Rozay]

Rice is a top talent. Literally nothing more he could have done this season as a young DM to impress. Except have a load of assists perhaps. I’m not sure what people want. Makalele mixed with Xavi or he’s ‘not good enough’.

I think some people perhaps need the validation of ‘City and Bayern have entered the race’ before they can appreciate anyone.

 

[Adnan]

Not seeing it. Neves has had plenty of good games this season so I’m not sure what these Wolves fans expect? This is a 22 year old that has captained a CL side ffs, he’s clearly a very talented player with a huge pedigree. Rice is what, two or so years younger. Both haven’t been great this season and I see that maybe Moutinho has somewhat overshadowed Neves this season but I have no doubt Neves will end up at a top club.

Rice, for me, has basically had this huge exposure due to his international nonsense which has elevated him well above the player he actually is. He honestly is nothing special and I’m confident he never will be. Anyhow, it seems only RedCafe is linking Rice with us (possibly the non-believable rag papers too) so I’m sure I’ve nothing to worry about and we’ll be leaving him at West Ham where he belongs.

Neves has only shown consistency in the Championship. and until he shows that in the EPL, I can't see any top club going anywhere near him.

You could be right about Rice. But Ole will target someone that has the physical capabilities to play that role IMO.

 

[Robbie Boy]

I think some people perhaps need the validation of ‘City and Bayern have entered the race’ before they can appreciate anyone.

Omg yes! But only when ‘Barca and Real’ also enter the race. At least be 100% accurate with your fabulous facts next time.

 

[Thiagoal]

Can see an awful lot of a young Roy Keane in Rice. The boy is going to be a star- mark my words

 

[Robbie Boy]

Can see an awful lot of a young Roy Keane in Rice. The boy is going to be a star- mark my words

He won’t. Mark my words.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Ok, so you’re all for signing Rice while claiming Neves has had a shit season. Statistically - in their respective roles - both score very similarly ratings wise. I don’t get it? Care to explain?

Rice is fast becoming the most overrated Caf obsession ever at this rate. As I said, I bet on Liverpool, City, etc forums they don’t even talk about him. Do you know why? Because while City chase genuine future stars such as Rodri, the Caf fawns all over Declan fecking Rice. Standards are so bad these days but fans have no right to complain about standards at the club when they’re ready to accept bang average mediocrity.

The last time we chased a player that is being targeted by City, it didn’t go well. Remember, City chased Fred, we decided to chase the same player and now we realised he’s below the standard. City chased Sanchez, and now we are desperate to get rid of him.

Sign a player that suits us not the one that suits City.

 

[Tarrou]

He won’t. Mark my words.

What makes you so sure about him?

I don't know much about him, honestly, but the times I've seen him he looks excellent for a 20 year old playing midfield in the prem. A lot of room for improvement, surely?

 

[Robbie Boy]

The last time we chased a player that is being targeted by City, it didn’t go well. Remember, City chased Fred, we decided to chase the same player and now we realised he’s below the standard. City chased Sanchez, and now we are desperate to get rid of him.

Sign a player that suits us not the one that suits City.

We should sign players that will elevate us from the mess we’re in. Alas, we shouldn’t be chasing players like Rice. Just like we shouldn’t have been chasing players like Maguire and Perisic last summer.

 

[Robbie Boy]

What makes you so sure about him?

I don't know much about him, honestly, but the times I've seen him he looks excellent for a 20 year old playing midfield in the prem. A lot of room for improvement, surely?

I haven’t been nearly as impressed as some and I feel this ‘potential’ of his is being blown well out of proportion. Obviously my post was in jest though to that poster being ever so sure he would be the next big thing.

 

[Tarrou]

I haven’t been nearly as impressed as some and I feel this ‘potential’ of his is being blown well out of proportion. Obviously my post was in jest though to that poster being ever so sure he would be the next big thing.

It wasn't that obvious because you've been posting a lot about how he isn't good enough. Fair enough, though.

I see him as a good option who can play DM or CB in a three, with a lot of room to improve. I'd want to see a controller/passing type next to him, though.

 

[purgethefallen]

Like he did a great job tracking Hazard a few weeks ago.

He was tracking his own player, Hazard was not his.

 

[Robbie Boy]

It wasn't that obvious because you've been posting a lot about how he isn't good enough. Fair enough, though.

I see him as a good option who can play DM or CB in a three, with a lot of room to improve. I'd want to see a controller/passing type next to him, though.

Well I don’t think he’s good, that’s me being totally honest. I feel he’s ok and I’ve seen him have terrible games just as much as people will bleat on about the good games he’s had like against Arsenal.

As for seeing him as a CB? He was really poor playing there last season for the most part. He would cost mega money and I feel he’s nothing but another hyped youngster with little substance behind the hype.

 

[purgethefallen]

I'm amazed in a world that has Ndombele and Neves we are looking to settle for Rice and some think it's a good idea.

Neves is overrated on here something chronic. Just ask Wolves' fans.

 

[purgethefallen]

Is he better than Neves?

Easily.

 

[jesperjaap]

We need to severely improve our buildup especially from deep areas and this is the player who will help do that?

Funny how I see so many talking about specialised players for certain positions double pivots, falss 9s etc etc and at the same time want players to be able to do everything...Bissaka cant attack, Rice cant pass etc etc. Why are we all wanting Cafu at full back or Pirlo as our dm.....of course not that would be a bad thing.

I agree we need to severley improve our build up play from the back, we also need to severely improve our winning the ball back in midfield and plugging gaps.

Rice is no playmaker like Neves for example, but I think he cycles the ball really well, you rarely see him give it away, his weight of pass is very good with short passes......similar to Roy Keane as somebody stated in that respect, or Makele or Kante, none of which were playmakers, all of which were wining the ball back and cycling it to the more creative players.

Similar with Bissaka, he is hardly poor going forward and sure he would develop a great partnership with a good winger, defending would be a huge gain for us.

Both players are young, already one of the best in our league in there respective positions and far better players than what we currently have.

Rice wouldnt be my first choice, probably 3/4 I think are attainable we could get ahead of him........but people saying he isnt good enough for us is surprising, he is a very very good young player

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Can see an awful lot of a young Roy Keane in Rice. The boy is going to be a star- mark my words

You haven’t watched him much then. The guy is bang average. He has the ceiling of Schneiderlin.

 

[Tarrou]

Neves is overrated on here something chronic. Just ask Wolves' fans.

A lot of us badly want a player in his mould, who can dictate and create from deep. Maybe he isn't the one but we badly need a player of his ilk, IMO.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

We should sign players that will elevate us from the mess we’re in. Alas, we shouldn’t be chasing players like Rice. Just like we shouldn’t have been chasing players like Maguire and Perisic last summer.

And how do you know that Rice is not part of the player that can elevate us from the mess?

 

[Robbie Boy]

And how do you know that Rice will not be part of the player that can elevate us from the mess?

Because he looks a million miles away from a player that can do that. We need elite players, not a player who hasn’t even been particularly good who happens to be wildly overrated.