First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Declan Rice (Midfielder)

Squad Number: 41
Position: Midfielder
Born: 14th Jan 1999 (London, England)
Signed: 1st Jun 2016 (£0)
Contract: 5½ years + 1 year option (signed December 2018)
Previous Club: Chelsea

KUMB Awards: Player of the Year 2019/20, (runner up) 2018/19; Young Player of the Year 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20; Most Improved Player 2017/18, (runner up) 2018/19, (third place) 2019/20; Goal of the Season 2019/20

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

vs Fiorentina

2-1: Wednesday, 7th June
(Played 90 minutes)

Contained, controlled, European champion. Only egotistical little chairmen want to talk about his future, the rest want to enjoy the man who followed in the footsteps of Bobby and Billy. Rarely saw the eye catching Declan Rice, but he and Soucek guarded the defence brilliantly. There was no dangerous central progression.

vs Leicester City

1-2: Sunday, 28th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Nowhere near his best, a player who looked both desperate to do something memorable, but also like he had been told repeatedly not to get injured.

vs Leeds United

3-1: Sunday, 21st May
(Played 90 minutes)

A very good, controlled display, which eventually became a race to see if he could score more goals. Took his goal really nicely, controlled the middle, and the link with Paqueta is just going from strength to strength. If this is a final goodbye at home, it's been magnificent to watch a player - and a man - flourish over time and grow to be something quite spectacular.

vs AZ Alkmaar

1-0: Thursday, 18th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Sitting in front and really playing as the holding player for most of the game, he still made his bursts forward and played excellently in tandem as a defensive pair with Soucek and a passing pair with Paquet??. It was the kind of ?EUR~quiet' game for Dec that meant he was doing all his defensive work without grabbing attention.

vs Brentford

0-2: Sunday, 14th May
(Played 32 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Soucek 58) Helped move the ball much better through midfield and keep attacks going by regaining possession.

vs AZ Alkmaar

2-1: Thursday, 11th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Was a quiet game by Rice?EUR(TM)s standards, although it appeared he was placed in front of the defence and disciplined in the second half to ensure no breakaways from AZ. He did his job well after not really imposing himself on the game first half, and his composure for the second goal was brilliant.

vs Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 7th May
(Played 90 minutes)

With the bit firmly between his teeth, Rice was more than a match for anyone Man Utd had to offer in a central position. Casemiro was a bystander as the England international showed him how to take control of a game. Was everywhere and created one or two good chances.

vs Bournemouth

4-0: Sunday, 23rd April
(Played 90 minutes)

Playing against lesser mortals. Rice was fantastic, took his goal wonderfully, passed better as the game went on, looked sharper and more relaxed. 10 more years couldn't be too long.

vs Gent

4-1: Thursday, 20th April
(Played 90 minutes)

The best player on the pitch, although the midfield took a little while to get to grips with Gent. Once they did, Rice controlled the game and took his goal with such confidence. He seemed to be waiting to use his full speed, so sure of what he was doing and how it would impact his opponents.

vs Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 8th April
(Played 90 minutes)

Started well and covered a lot of space. The gaps in the side were covered by him until we completely sat in and hoped we could block them out.

vs Newcastle United

1-5: Wednesday, 5th April
(Played 90 minutes)

He was good when West Ham were good, but disappeared once it got tough. He's an emotional player and suffers with these team performances.

vs Southampton

1-0: Sunday, 2nd April
(Played 90 minutes)

He started well and made some strong defensive contributions, but faded. He was less ambitious on the ball than usual, both in passing and in dribbling, which we can only assume was an instruction to make sure Southampton didn't win the midfield.

vs Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 12th March
(Played 90 minutes)

A couple sloppy moments could have been really costly. The midfield was controlled well, Buendia couldn't influence from inside and Ramsey was a non-entity, but there were a few times when he just seemed to have lost concentration, and he reacts emotionally to mistakes. That said, he is judged by higher standards, which comes with his level of ability.

vs AEK Larnaca

2-0: Thursday, 9th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Carried very well and was passing sharply to Lanzini, seemed happier with that presence a little ahead of him to play into. Lost a bit of control when he went off.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

0-4: Saturday, 4th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Rice was horribly exposed by how easy it was for Brighton to play through the defensive work in their own half. They just cut through any press, so Rice either gambled and got bypassed or was left with his opponents going past the press and running at him with easy options to pass around him.

vs Manchester United

1-3: Wednesday, 1st March
(Played 90 minutes)

Much the same can be said of Rice, who looked a bit lost as his team began to panic. This is where he needed to shine, but his youth seems to come through in these moments. A steady, experienced hand like Casemiro knows how to manage a rough patch, Rice needs to learn.

vs Nottingham Forest

4-0: Saturday, 25th February
(Played 90 minutes)

With a player as good as Rice anchoring your midfield, there really is no need for a back five. Rice did his defensive work with his usual simplicity and class, but not only added a goal - finally getting that shot from the left right - but made the first with calm and assured play in his own half. Whilst the more lazy pundits may focus on his lack of goals, it is his confidence in his own half that makes him such a key player for club and country.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Sunday, 19th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Too passive a performance from Rice. With Downes and Soucek beside him, Rice had no one to make those direct, more incisive passes for him, and it highlights this gap in his game.

vs Chelsea

1-1: Saturday, 11th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Playing through illness, Rice was not imperious, but he was solid, responsible and effective.

vs Newcastle United

1-1: Saturday, 4th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Were it not for Aguerd's heroics, Rice would have been man of the match. Winning the ball back at a high rate, he started attacks well, supported down the left and even delivered the corner for Paquet??'s goal.

vs Everton

2-0: Saturday, 21st January
(Played 90 minutes)

The partnership with Paquet?? is improving with each game, and the Brazilian has taken a little bit of responsibility off the captain?EUR(TM)s shoulders. Rice looked better as the pressure lifted, and he has shown in recent interviews that the pressure has affected him. The celebrations for both goals, and his goal-saving deflection, were of huge relief.

vs Wolves

0-1: Saturday, 14th January
(Played 90 minutes)

The thing is, his standards are higher than the rest, but he cannot pull off the stuff that seemed both superhuman and incredibly easy in the last two years. He is making more lax touches, missing tackles he?EUR(TM)d usually win, and whilst it doesn?EUR(TM)t make him as bad as the rest, he looks out of his own form.

vs Brentford

1-0: Saturday, 7th January
(Played 90 minutes)

There have been some uncharacteristic errors in Rice's game since the restart, and there are little challenges in important areas that we've come to expect Rice to make, and he isn't at the moment. The disciplined role is helping the team, and then he makes such a good tackle to set up the Benrahma goal.

vs Leeds United

2-2: Wednesday, 4th January
(Played 90 minutes)

Too many bad shots on the edge of the box, not enough solidity in front of his own defence. It looked like Rice could have done much better on the equaliser.

vs Arsenal

1-3: Monday, 26th December
(Played 90 minutes)

Judged to higher standards, his exceptional first half, where he received deserved praise from king of the co-comms Ally McCoist, was soon cancelled out by an atrocious second half. Uncharacteristic errors, followed by the very common flailing arms and victim?EUR(TM)s expression.

vs Leicester City

0-2: Saturday, 12th November
(Played 90 minutes)

The most consistent attacking passer, although the odd shot was poorly chosen. His driving runs were vital, once more, and he cleared up a lot of Leicester's promising attacks by just being in the right place to stop them developing.

vs Crystal Palace

1-2: Sunday, 6th November
(Played 90 minutes)

Bettered by Eze and Olise, he was physically weak on 50/50s with Zaha, didn't get hold of the midfield at all and couldn't stop what Palace were doing. His passing out was not good enough.

vs Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 30th October
(Played 90 minutes)

A class act, and another game against illustrious opposition where he was clearly the classiest player on the pitch

vs AFC Bournemouth

2-0: Monday, 24th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Cruised through the game at a class above the Bournemouth midfield.

vs Liverpool

0-1: Wednesday, 19th October
(Played 90 minutes)

He?EUR(TM)s comfortably better than every Liverpool midfielder, was easily the best player on the park and is growing into the season as the World Cup comes into focus.

vs Southampton

1-1: Sunday, 16th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Grew into it and then carried his team to a point with a fine individual goal. 95% pass accuracy, two chances created, two interceptions, a stunning goal, ground duel success and ball recoveries both high and impressive.

vs Anderlecht

2-1: Thursday, 13th October
(Played 27 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Cresswell 63) Slotted into defence quietly and comfortably.

vs Fulham

3-1: Sunday, 9th October
(Played 90 minutes)

A good, solid game and then crucial awareness late on to halt attacks, steal the ball, and get West Ham going forward again.

vs RSC Anderlecht

1-0: Thursday, 6th October
(Played 21 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Lanzini 69) Did his job well and reasonably comfortably.

vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 1st October
(Played 90 minutes)

Typically assured performance from Dec. Improved his forward passing, handled the midfield well and did his job. Nothing spectacular, and he can be disappointed in his yellow card which was a poor tackle.

vs Everton

0-1: Sunday, 18th September
(Played 90 minutes)

By his standards, it was a little disappointing, but in reality, he was let down by a team that all seem to be one-paced too often. In a game where chaos and ferocity will be mentioned, Rice kept the ball well and made driving runs to progress the team forward. Let down by what was around him.

vs Silkeborg

3-2: Thursday, 15th September
(Played 90 minutes)

His presence was missed massively when he was taken off. Just fills gaps, covers players, is in the right place when he's needed. And he's calm on the ball. When he was taken off, no one else had any of that.

vs FCSB

3-1: Thursday, 8th September
(Played 90 minutes)

Could have taken better control of the first half, but was dominant by the second. Downes did more of the dirty work, but maybe Dec needs to put his captain's head on when the side aren't flowing and get back in, do the basics first and get that sorted.

vs Chelsea

1-2: Saturday, 3rd September
(Played 90 minutes)

Defensively good, stealing the ball off toes, keeping a disciplined shape and shielding the defence well. Hopefully will not be punished for his very controlled thoughts on the VAR decision.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Wednesday, 31st August
(Played 90 minutes)

Had he not made that pass that led to Tottenham?EUR(TM)s goal, and been out of position, he?EUR(TM)s man of the match. Oozed class, passing well, finding a better range of passing, clearing up and winning the midfield battle. Looking back to the Dec that West Ham fans know.

vs Aston Villa

1-0: Sunday, 28th August
(Played 90 minutes)

Declan was quite bad until he was suddenly very good, reverting back to the player he is. Once he played the incisive pass to Fornals, he woke up, whereas in the first half he turned down good options on the ball to instead be overly safe with it. After the goal, suddenly he was everywhere, snuffing out attacks, picking up on any loose touch and driving forward with the ball.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

0-2: Sunday, 21st August
(Played 90 minutes)

Far from a ??100m+ player on current form. He has got to improve his awareness with forward passing, whether that's overriding his instincts to play safe, just not seeing the passes or not being good enough to do them.

vs Nottingham Forest

0-1: Sunday, 14th August
(Played 90 minutes)

Shaky early on, and whilst his yellow was harsh, they were both silly fouls and petulant play. The penalty was poor, and yet not at all surprising. A harsh five, but his standards are high and he has not met them yet.

vs Manchester City

0-2: Sunday, 7th August
(Played 90 minutes)

Grew into it, but started off the pace and wasted a big chance. Got better defensively as it went on, but didn?EUR(TM)t look a man fresh off a summer of rest.

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

Servette FC

2-0: Friday, 8th July

Was excellent with the ball and his positioning was exceptional. Quietly superb shielding the defence.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Sunday, 22nd May

Was excellent with the ball and his positioning was exceptional. Quietly superb shielding the defence.

Manchester City

2-2: Sunday, 15th May

You are not expecting him to dominate against that midfield, there is a ludicrous amount of talent on display there, but he was effective, smart and played well.

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 7th May

A boringly easy game for Dec, but one of those where his ability to get the ball back and get his team started again made attacks feel relentless. 119 passes, 93% accuracy.

Eintracht Frankfurt

0-1: Thursday, 5th May

A couple of loose touches, but otherwise a sensational performance. His goal caps it off, but he was quietly brilliant as the shield. Let others talk about assists and goals, Dec can be the best in the world in that role guarding the defence. Any doubts about his 10/10 were silenced by his post-match interview and Twitter feed.

Arsenal

1-2: Sunday, 1st May

Some won't like the way he went for Nketiah near the end, but considering the team and crowd were flat, it could have paid dividends. And honestly, someone needs to have a pop at those little proverbials. A good, controlled game from Dec. Had attacking threat but sat deeper as things went on and the counter looked on, making sure we could win the ball back to go on the attack again.

Eintracht Frankfurt

1-2: Thursday, 28th April

A couple of loose touches, but otherwise a sensational performance. His goal caps it off, but he was quietly brilliant as the shield. Let others talk about assists and goals, Dec can be the best in the world in that role guarding the defence. Any doubts about his 10/10 were silenced by his post-match interview and Twitter feed.

Chelsea

0-1: Sunday, 24th April

(Replaced Noble, 61) Didn't have much influence in midfield and then probably just not as aware to danger as Dawson would have been with that cross.

Burnley

1-1: Sunday, 17th April

Drove forward well and played smartly in front of the defence, then expanding his game out and taking responsibility on the ball when it was clear those driving runs were needed. A bit more efficiency up front and Rice would look to have pushed his team on for a win. Instead the final third was a frustration.

Lyon

3-0: Thursday, 14th April

A couple of loose touches, but otherwise a sensational performance. His goal caps it off, but he was quietly brilliant as the shield. Let others talk about assists and goals, Dec can be the best in the world in that role guarding the defence. Any doubts about his 10/10 were silenced by his post-match interview and Twitter feed.

Brentford

0-2: Sunday, 10th April

Could have used the ball better, whether that be more ambitious passing or taking on the runs himself, but was hampered by an awful team around him.

Lyon

1-1: Thursday, 7th April

Was it a fear of being booked that held Rice back? He struggled to influence the game in either half and made sloppy mistakes that are very out of character. Positionally brilliant, as ever, and he stops a lot of burgeoning attacks just by filling the right gaps. But he wasn't anywhere near his high standards.

Everton

2-1: Sunday, 3rd April

Similarly to Soucek, just got on with his job. Improvement came in his forward passing, which was snappier today and he made the right choice to go forward more often than recent performances.

Tottenham

1-3: Sunday, 20th March

He got better, but did not seem at all sure of his positioning until the system change in the first half. Was Kane his man? He seemed to be trying to keep aware of Kane and have a more advanced starting position in midfield, but mixing tasks meant he achieved neither.

Seville

2-0: Thursday, 17th March

A fantastic performance only let down by some quite appalling shooting. The team looks so much more assured when Dec sits deep, and you can see why. Those defenders must be begging the manager to sit Rice there in any and every game, he just makes their game easier and gives everyone else the confidence to attack. Sevilla knew he was good, they always wanted to know where Rice was and didn't have the confidence to go at Rice like others.

Aston Villa

2-1: Sunday, 13th March

Not a performance that makes the back pages, but the team looks better with him that little bit deeper, spotting danger and starting attacks. And it doesn’t mean the runs have to be stopped, as showed with the second goal, but they aren’t to be forced or relied upon.

Seville

0-1: Thursday, 10th March

Quietly efficient game from Rice. Did a solid job defensively, but could not quell the hectic panic around the side when Sevilla scored. Didn't impose himself on the match on the ball.

Southampton

1-3: Wednesday, 2nd March

The one time the defence was exposed in the first half, Rice cleaned it up and made what was brilliant defending look absolutely easy. Made runs, controlled the midfield, protected his defence and gave the attack a platform to play. He did his job, and he can even be forgiven the few failed diagonals as his teammates had stopped giving him options.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1-0: Sunday, 27th February

So unlucky not to score with a belter of an effort. Really good on the front foot defensively, yet also deeper in midfield too as he looked fresher. Got better as the game went on and found his form as the team found theirs.

Newcastle United

1-1: Saturday, 19th February

He’s getting judged by his own high standards, but he’s not near his levels from the last two years. He’s keeping the ball well and you can see the team tasking him with leading them through games, giving him the ball and expecting him to just make things happen. He doesn’t look like he has the energy to defend and attack, so gets slightly caught between. The header for the Newcastle goal was a big mistake.

Leicester City

2-2: Sunday, 13th February

Looked leggy. He looked tired in the second half against Watford and he looked exposed here with tired legs. Kept the ball well with simple play, harshly booked after slipping on a tackle, but lacking dynamism and nowhere near his best.

Watford

1-0: Tuesday, 8th February

A funny game for Rice. Less of the big, blockbuster runs, and a couple of sloppy occasions where he lost the ball in ways that were very uncharacteristic. Drove the team forward, covered back on the counter well, but not to his usual high standards.

Kidderminster Harriers

2-1: Saturday, 5th February

(Replaced Kral, 45) With caveats that it was Kidderminster, this felt quite defining for Rice. At other clubs, this is what Robson, Gerrard or Vieira did to save the day. Moyes is right, £100m would be a bargain price for the best around.

Manchester United

0-1: Saturday, 22nd January

He wasn’t the box-to-box dynamo that some like, but he looked every inch the best defensive midfielder in the world as he covered gaps, stole possession, used the ball smartly and still dropped in a few barnstorming runs. Oozed class.

Leeds United

2-3: Sunday, 16th January

Flame emojis and hot takes about the man aside, he can't be the attacking leader and the defensive anchor. He didn't do enough to protect a poor defence today because he was bombing forward a lot more. Lanzini couldn't cover it, so you have to sacrifice the flashy stuff and do the basics. Last year, Rice would have been stuck doing the gritty work and saving Diop's blushes, but today a game where he played well going forward should not hide the fact he wasn't there at the back.

Norwich

2-0: Wednesday, 12th January

Had complete control of the midfield, although he'll rarely be tested less in doing so. Just smothered any sort of breaks and played calmly.

Leeds United

2-0: Sunday, 9th January

Did a lot of his usual role very well. Defensively smart and protected the defence. Passed well and was good until the final third. His shooting, crossing and set pieces were far from good enough.

Crystal Palace

3-2: Saturday, 1st January

150th Premier League appearance, becoming the youngest ever West Ham United player to reach that milestone. Better than Soucek, but it was their work as a pair that really stopped anything successful through the middle in that second half. The run for Lanzini's goal is something we are now used to be needs to be remembered is still absolutely fantastic midfield play. There are players at other teams who would be lauded for doing that just once, but Dec now does it at least once a game and deserved his assist.

Southampton

2-3: Sunday, 26th December

Worst performance of the season by some way. If there is an arrogance creeping into his game - and some of his first half gesticulations suggested a petulance he must curb - then it has cost him today with a performance not befitting of captaincy. The booking was foolish and he had no strong influence on the game defensively or going forward.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-2: Wednesday, 22nd December

By his standards, the first half was poor, but he took control of the second and was the classiest player on the pitch. Winning the ball back has become so common that his defensive side is now being overlooked. You can see why, the skill on the ball he now has and the driving runs are just impossible to ignore. Misplaced two of 90 passes.

Arsenal

0-2: Wednesday, 15th December

Struggled as the game was so compact in the middle and he had no options to pass to. Was winning the ball well early on, and did his work reasonably well, but couldn't take the game on and threaten Arsenal as much as he would have liked.

Burnley

0-0: Saturday, 11th December

Rice was magnificent today. The best defensive contributions, the best attacking contributions. He's gliding through defences, nearly picking out top corners, covering round the back when they're through on goal, making interceptions to stop counter attacks. Not far off the final ball that wins the game today and really the only man who looked like he could. There isn't a midfielder in the league that can compare.

Chelsea

3-2: Saturday, 4th December

First clear mistake of the season for a goal, a sloppy pass that Chelsea countered on for the second goal. But was otherwise fantastic, and worth noting his late cameo in the back five also saw him covering a lot of runs and keeping the defence under control and calm.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Wednesday, 1st December

He is at another level. Deserved a goal, deserved an assist, deserved to win that game. Arguably the best in attack, midfield and defence today. Just phenomenal.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 27th November

A reasonably good performance, although he is right to be frustrated that his dart into the box produced nothing. He had the time and space to do it, but lost it due to his own hesitancy. Won the ball well, passed with accuracy, his underlying stats were again impressive.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-1: Saturday, 20th November

There were periods in the first half where he was winning the ball back in both halves in a way that saved the blushes of those around him. He was the only resistance in a poor performance. He did it on the front foot, but with little back up from the attacking players, and made vital challenges in front of the defence too. But the more and more Wolves managed to stretch the rest of the side and then put an extra man into midfield, there was too much for him to do. He led the attacks too, trying to lift a side that was flat, and really it was a performance where he was let down by how bad others were playing. A reminder that his poorer performances are a lot better than others.

Liverpool

3-2: Saturday, 6th November

Unlucky to give away the foul for the freekick goal - Salah flops on any contact - but was fantastic. 10 recoveries, 6 duels won, a few of his now trademark slaloming runs to relieve pressure and start counters. Our midfield was better than theirs.

Genk

2-2: Thursday, 4th November

One of his weaker showings since he made his name. Couldn't settle into play and walked a fine line after his booking, making a few fouls that drew attention to him, especially ones where he tried to get the ball from behind his man. Looked livelier once Soucek came on and his driving runs did nearly force a goal.

Aston Villa

4-1: Sunday, 31st October

The boy is good, so very good. The goal maybe should have been stopped, but the accuracy is excellent. He spread the ball wide for Johnson’s goal, forced a good save from a freekick. And that’s before the generally fantastic midfield work.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Sunday, 24th October

The deeper role in the pair makes his game a little quieter, but he has been very good these last two games in the league. 8 tackles may not seem incredible, but it really is, whilst his passing was exceptional short and long. The dribbling in the second half got moves got, got the team going and relieved pressure too. An exceptional talent. Man of the match.

KRC Genk

3-0: Thursday, 21st October

Two misplaced passes in 75, cutting out a few moves that could have been dangerous breaks and some good passing forward that broke the lines. Nothing spectacular, but a controlled performance in midfield was built on he and his partner.

Everton

1-0: Sunday, 17th October

What a performance. Arguably faultless, probably only not a perfect game because he’s got levels none of the rest have. I would not argue anyone who gave him a 10, such was his control in the middle and his intelligent football, but he has been better and let the game slip a little in the middle 30 minutes.

Brentford

1-2: Sunday, 3rd October

With Soucek off the pace and Brentford playing with an extra man in the middle, the midfield was poor in the first half. There were times in the second half too where Brentford walked through it with ease. Rice dominated the second half, whilst he made one excellent tackle high up the field in the first half that led to a chance. Let down a little by the energy of the players ahead of him late on, which the manager must take some blame for.

Rapid Vienna

2-0: Thursday, 30th September

Would be 9, but he too allowed his game to slow down and his foot came off the gas. But he was excellent in the first half and quietly did a lot of effective defensive work. Unlucky not have two goals.

Leeds United

2-1: Saturday, 25th September

Outnumbered in central midfield by a tireless team, it was a hard ask for Dec. He grew into it and, as others tired, took more control. The run and pass for Antonio were excellent.

Manchester United

1-2: Sunday, 19th September

As ever, he kept the ball well and got the side out of trouble with his running, but he was quiet defensively and didn’t seem to disrupt the play and turn defence to attack today. He was disciplined, rather than one forward run, but a fitter and sharper Dec probably gets close to Lingard before he shoots and supports Zouma.

Dinamo Zagreb

2-0: Thursday, 16th September

The boy is a special, special talent. Every other week he seems to have improved another part of his game. 3 shots, a goal after an interception and 60 yard dribble, one misplaced pass of 54. He was good enough to have played in that midfield alone today, so much better was he than his opponents. Exceptional.

Southampton

0-0: Saturday, 11th September

The only player in a West Ham shirt who can be happy with his performance. He stops so many attacks just as they look to be developing, let alone the ones he stops at vital moments. Notable again today that a busy and quick midfielder pushed onto him does limit his passing, both today and with Gallagher previously.

Crystal Palace

2-2: Saturday, 28th August

Glimpses of his best, but the extra man in the Palace midfield, and a constant need to support anyone defending against Zaha, meant he and Soucek were limited in what they could do.

Leicester City

4-1: Monday, 23rd August

It won’t go as noticed as the attacking dominance, but Rice moved through that game like a special player. Controlled the midfield, making the most passes of any West Ham player. Has only misplaced two passes in the two games this season. He passed forward well too, which Gary Neville could do with noticing in his lazy analysis. Two crosses were very good, especially on his supposed weaker foot, and it was a deserved assist. The interception from Vardy was crucial in the first goal.

Newcastle United

4-2: Sunday, 15th August

5/10 first half combines with a much better 8/10 in the second. He looked off the pace in the opening 45, maybe too wary of Saint-Maximin to play his own game. But in the second, he was not only more aggressive in winning the ball, he soon realised he had the beating of their midfield when on the ball.

2020/21 Match Notes & Ratings

Southampton

3-0: Sunday, 23rd May

When the game was not end-to-end, Southampton’s midfield couldn’t really do anything to stop Rice. Some early tackles laid the groundwork for a comfortable display, rounded off with a very well taken goal. Looks to have got his sharpness back at a good time for his summer.

West Bromwich Albion

3-1: Wednesday, 19th May

Dec made some good runs in the second half, but he looks a little unfit. These games are ideal for him in terms of the summer, but he isn’t his sharpest yet. The penalty was a little unlucky, but then it’s a penalty, it’s a big target from not far out.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Saturday, 15th May

Not at his best, but made tackles and interceptions in this game that no other West Ham player would or could. Not as influential going forward as he has been this season and he tired as the game went on.

Arsenal

3-3: Saturday, 20th March

Didn’t dominate like he can and as Arsenal profited from pockets between defence and midfield, Dec didn’t stamp on it and stop it. To be the world class defensive midfielder he can be, he will need to learn how.

Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 14th March

His attacking game was off, his radar in the final third not working, but he did a good job defensively, especially in the last half hour as we tried to open up. Retrieving the ball, winning it back and positioning to shield the defence allowed us to push on.

Leeds United

2-0: Monday, 8th March

A poor start was soon forgotten as Dec showed his class against a midfield nowhere near his level. Showed his defensive ability before getting into the box-to-box style that is balancing really well with the pair in the middle. His freekicks still need a lot of work, and probably a word from an experienced player.

Manchester City

1-2: Saturday, 27th February

His first half was stronger, showing himself very capable of living with the world class players around him, and disrupting them too. He never really made a mark in the attacking play, understandable against the opponents but still frustrating.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-1: Saturday, 20th February

Made a mockery of comparisons between himself and Hojbjerg. Excellent defensively, including the sliding lunge that saved a definite goal, and had the energy in the second half to try drive the team out and forward. In a game where his side struggled to keep the ball, his passing was still good and he kept the side ticking.

Sheffield United

3-0: Monday, 15th February

A quiet game in terms of controlling the midfield, possibly less emphasis on him to break forward with Lanzini taking that responsibility. Took the penalty well, although his freekicks never look particularly dangerous. The system protected Soucek and Rice and their workload.

Manchester United

0-1: Tuesday, 9th February

That heavy touch is being focused on, but it was extra time, Rice has played every minute in the league and the squad had been decimated by injury. He was excellent defensively, a little bit too leggy to make many darting runs and it is madness to think we have so few central midfielders at the club but could play four full backs in this game, with another one injured.

Fulham

0-0: Saturday, 6th February

It was a steady performance in a game where their midfield outnumbered ours, but a last minute interception in the box stopped Fulham from having one last, and very good opportunity. Tried to make things happen on the ball, and found a wilting forward line not up to task.

Aston Villa

3-1: Wednesday, 3rd February

As Villa played left, left again and left again to get the ball to Grealish, Rice had less of his work in front of the defence to do, what with two right backs happy to defend down that side. Just comfortably did his job and supported the attacking players well.

Liverpool

1-3: Sunday, 31st January

His passing range was all over the place, and it could be argued he set the tone with consistently rushed and poor passing.

Crystal Palace

3-2: Tuesday, 26th January

Declan did the forward running in the second half as Soucek sat deeper, taking the ball on and dribbling upfield well. Clean and tidy in front of the defence, including one excellent challenge on Zaha when he looked like he’d peeled away. For other players, his performance would constitute something really good. For Declan, this is bare minimum.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 19th January

Very little for him to clear up defensively as the midfield was often bypassed. Good to see him driving at goal and shooting, it offers a different threat, but he does need to calm down a touch. Accurate on the ball, as ever, but merely untested in his defensive duties.

Burnley

1-0: Saturday, 16th January

Whilst Soucek was the busier defensively, Rice did his work efficiently and was charged with more playmaking. He played well, his long range passing accurate and smart, and he often launched and supported good counter attacks.

Stockport County

1-0: Monday, 11th January

Not his best opening 45, he didn't acclimatise to conditions, but in the second he came out with a bit more purpose and then made sure he was there in defence when needed.

Everton

1-0: Friday, 1st January

On the ball a lot less today, less driving runs through the middle too, but he seemed to comfortably slot in behind Soucek and let his midfield partner press forward. His defensive work came to the fore, excellent one-vs-one and a great shield in front of the defence.

Southampton

0-0: Tuesday, 29th December

Declan, as ever, never put a foot wrong and adding dangerous freekick crosses to his game is another string to the bow of arguably the most rounded midfielder in the league.

Brighton & Hove Albion

2-2: Saturday, 26th December

Evidence from this season would suggest that the progress Rice has made as an all-round midfielder is immediately limited when Noble plays. He should have done better for the first goal, even if he deserves credit for the initial awareness to intercept, and he failed to influence from the middle when the side needed his attacking ability.

Chelsea

0-3: Monday, 21st December

Couldn't say he did anything wrong, there were moments in the game where he shone, but it was definitely a quieter one for him and he seemed a little restricted by the spaces Noble took up.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Tuesday, 15th December

Took a lot of responsibility on the ball as well as defending in front of the defence very well, especially as he often made dispossessing Zaha look easy. Brought the ball out from defence on the run, made considerably more passes than any other West Ham player and hit a lovely long-range effort too.

Leeds United

2-1: Friday, 11th December

Imperious in the middle. Did his usual in the second half, growing more confident to step forward and launch attacks. He just does the simple things very well and the necessary work in the middle like its second nature.

Manchester United

1-3: Saturday, 5th December

Good first half, let down by others around him in the second half, seemingly the only one who could get near the best of Manchester United. There is a tackle on Rashford in there, the forward in full flow going at the defence, which is worth watching the whole game for. It was fantastic. But the middle of the park was also exposed and he disappeared as a forward-thinking midfielder as the game went on.

Aston Villa

2-1: Saturday, 28th November

Sloppier and the focus on Grealish often meant there were gaps in the middle that Rice wouldn't usually allow to exist. Not as good on the ball as usual and the penalty foul was daft even if minimal.

Sheffield United

1-0: Sunday, 22nd November

It will go unnoticed outside of West Ham, call it the England factor, but Rice was fantastic today, smart in positions and nicking the ball in areas where Sheffield United felt they were building something. It was a great afternoon to watch him play, his passing more adventurous than with England and he roamed to support attacks really well, including that header that hit the bar. In these games, he looks almost the total midfielder, making the most passes in the game, ruining their attacks and starting West Ham's.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 7th November

Couldn’t handle Lookman’s dribbling or those passes as mentioned above. Sloppy today.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 31st October

Blocked and defended well, intercepting and dispossessing in the middle. Couple of fouls when beaten on the turn, but he was probably happy to make them and the booking, his first of the season, was the kind he knows he will occasionally have to pick up to stop an attack.

Manchester City

1-1: Saturday, 24th October

Excellent today. Dispossessing in dangerous areas, pushing forward rarely, but his composure on the ball in tough areas was incredible against a team of such quality and with pressure to hold on. Physically strong, mentally sharp.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-3: Sunday, 18th October

Better second half, but him and Soucek being in the middle against three, supplemented by the positions Kane took up, made it a very uphill struggle. Will be livid to be nutmegged by Kane leading to a goal. Not as good on the ball as usual, probably due to the numbers centrally.

Leicester City

3-0: Sunday, 4th October

Excellent in front of the defence, but today it was his ability to play good football in tight areas in his own half that shone. The third goal is all down to how smart and composed he is under pressure to start a counter. Deserved a goal when dribbling from his own half and hitting the bar.

Newcastle United

0-2: Saturday, 12th September

Worst West Ham performance. Lazy passing under no pressure and dangerously sloppy a few times when caught.

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 26th July

Some of his passing was a lower standard than he holds, whilst his shooting was erratic and a little selfish.

Manchester United

1-1: Wednesday, 22nd July

The best player on the park. Dominated midfield both forward and back. The confidence in his game is helping him to control the centre of the park from top to bottom, including getting shots in from outside the box and adding more threat to his passing range.

Watford

3-1: Friday, 17th July

The goal that surely confirms he cannot be moved back to being a defender. Sweetly struck as it was, his importance on the second should not be forgotten as his drive from deep into the Watford area created what was to come. A wonderful footballer who is getting better and better with every game.

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 11th July

Showed off his passing range and had an easy time in midfield, where no Norwich player is on his level.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

He tried, putting in some dangerous crosses and making an effort to push the midfield on, but as he and the side tired, there was just nothing left.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 4th July

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Chelsea

3-2: Wednesday, 1st July

A future West Ham captain, it has been said. He was great in the role today, vocal on the pitch but also leading by example. The foul for the freekick that Willian scored was the only blot on an otherwise excellent performance at both ends of the pitch.

2019/20 Match Notes & Ratings

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 26th July

Some of his passing was a lower standard than he holds, whilst his shooting was erratic and a little selfish.

Manchester United

Watford

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 11th July

Showed off his passing range and had an easy time in midfield, where no Norwich player is on his level.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

He tried, putting in some dangerous crosses and making an effort to push the midfield on, but as he and the side tired, there was just nothing left.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 4th July

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Tuesday, 23rd June

His passing was a step above anyone else and he again looked frustrated by just how inept the players were around him. The best defender and arguably the best attacker in the team. There’s something similar to Joe Cole in the Roeder year about him, a player who deserves to be freed of the weight on his shoulders.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2: Saturday, 20th June

Comfortable in the centre of defence. Hard to see he did anything wrong, hard to really think of much he did at all, which isn’t bad as it shows a level of control.

Arsenal

0-1: Saturday, 7th March

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Southampton

3-1: Saturday, 29th February

A little more restrained today, holding a deeper position alongside Noble. Bossed the Southampton central players, although a concern that he and Noble let Southampton outnumber Cresswell so drastically for their goal.

Liverpool

2-3: Monday, 24th February

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Manchester City

0-2: Wednesday, 19th February

The one bit of mild relief, making runs forward and actually showing the ability to compete with his opponents, but it wasn’t a good game for him either.

Brighton & Hove Albion

3-3: Saturday, 1st February

A good first half defensively, some bright passing in the second half. A sign that Soucek helped the midfield balance is that Rice wasn’t having to do everything. However, he also couldn’t get any control in there when the game turned desperate.

Liverpool

0-2: Wednesday, 29th January

Probably West Ham’s best player. His defensive performance was strong without being spectacular, but it was his attacking effort that caught the eye. His drive from midfield and powerful shot was unlike anything our midfield has offered this season, an energy that is missing and the kind of thing we need to survive. His header deserved a goal too, but Alisson was exceptional in his save.

West Bromwich Albion

0-1: Saturday, 25th January

Solid if unspectacular and a bonus mark for applauding the home fans too, which was well appreciated by the Gills fans.

Leicester City

1-4: Wednesday, 22nd January

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Everton

1-1: Saturday, 18th January

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Sheffield United

0-1: Friday, 10th January

Robbed of an assist, but his radar was back with his passing and he was good defensively in the middle. Added energy, is showing his game can evolve to see him playing slightly more box-to-box, but he shouldn’t have to be that man and the best defensive player too. Needs a new signing alongside him.

Gillingham

2-0: Sunday, 5th January

Solid if unspectacular and a bonus mark for applauding the home fans too, which was well appreciated by the Gills fans.

Bournemouth

4-0: Wednesday, 1st January

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Leicester City

1-2: Saturday, 28th December

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Crystal Palace

1-2: Thursday, 26th December

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Southampton

1-0: Saturday, 14th December

Stuck to his role and stayed discipline. Was stronger aerially than he has been this season. Passing accuracy of 55% is almost unheard of for Declan, but could be attributed to a slightly different role and a more direct approach to play.

Arsenal

1-3: Saturday, 7th December

A few decent defensive moments, covering Balbuena and Noble mistakes in particular, but lost in a midfield that is substandard around him.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2: Wednesday, 4th December

A couple wayward passes early, but played as a one-man midfield. Did the forward running, progressive passing and defensive work. Looks to have regained some confidence.

Chelsea

1-0: Saturday, 30th November

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-3: Saturday, 23rd November

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Burnley

0-3: Saturday, 9th November

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Newcastle United

2-3: Saturday, 2nd November

His worst game in a West Ham shirt, including the duck against Arsenal. Made sloppy errors and had no answer to the breakaway pace.

Sheffield United

1-1: Saturday, 26th October

Put out a lot of fires in the middle, covering a lot of ground. Looked more like himself. Drove forward a few times with the ball, meaning he’s now doing the defensive and attacking work.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 19th October

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

Crystal Palace

1-2: Saturday, 5th October

Had some good first half moments, one of too few alive to Palace’s threat, then got lost in the second half with the penalty mistake.

Bournemouth

2-2: Saturday, 28th September

Six interceptions within 18 ball recoveries, 93 per cent passing accuracy, three tackles, passed forward well and took the ball out of deep midfield with dribbles too.

Manchester United

2-0: Sunday, 22nd September

Frankly, it was too easy a game for Rice to really need to flourish, but that tackle on Rashford was really fantastic positional play and defensive awareness. Otherwise, Man United wanted to get the ball through midfield very quick and away from Rice. Doesn’t give the ball away.

Aston Villa

0-0: Monday, 16th September

Another who was calmly and quietly doing his work until the red. Stepped up from there and nullified Villa.

Norwich City

2-0: Saturday, 31st August

Comfortably went about his work. A few fouls in there that were actually nice to see, a little bit imposing and done in the right areas.

Newport County

2-0: Tuesday, 27th August

Did not play.

Watford

3-1: Saturday, 24th August

His defensive display was good, winning battles often and taking the ball out of deep midfield with comfort. A few loose passes in there.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Saturday, 17th August

Quiet. Arguable that having an ever changing line of midfield partners isn’t helping him.

Manchester City

0-5: Saturday, 10th August

There were some tackles in there that were excellent. But this was also a game where he made sloppy mistakes on the ball, the kind of passes and errors that a top side would look down upon. That these were notable, in a game where he still managed 91% pass accuracy, either suggests they were aberrations or the standards he’s set have him then judged harshly.

Athletico Bilbao

2-2: Saturday, 3rd August

Not involved to any great degree, but put in some timely challenges today.

Hertha Berlin

5-3: Wednesday, 31st July

Neat and tidy, picked out some good passes. Appears to struggle a little without Mark Noble alongside him.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 27th July

Match notes to follow.

Newcastle United

0-1: Saturday, 20th July

Not involved to any great degree once again, as per the Man City test earlier in the week, but made a couple of vital interceptions.

Manchester City

1-4: Wednesday, 17th July

Not involved to any great degree but made several decent interceptions and kept it simple.

2018/19 Match Notes & Ratings

Watford

4-1: Sunday, 12th May

A quieter game for Declan, not that he did much of anything wrong. Had a truly incredible season.

Southampton

3-0: Saturday, 4th May

Not a glittering performance in the Rice repertoire, although one moment where he stepped forward, intercepted a pass then sprayed a ball wide to Anderson without a moment’s hesitation was glorious. Forward passing is improving.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Saturday, 27th April

Not a glittering performance in the Rice repertoire, although one moment where he stepped forward, intercepted a pass then sprayed a ball wide to Anderson without a moment’s hesitation was glorious. Forward passing is improving.

Leicester City

2-2: Saturday, 20th April

Leicester overran him midway through the second half, but he was doing a decent job in there.

Manchester United

1-2: Saturday, 13th April

Not a glittering performance in the Rice repertoire, although one moment where he stepped forward, intercepted a pass then sprayed a ball wide to Anderson without a moment’s hesitation was glorious. Forward passing is improving.

Chelsea

0-2: Monday, 8th April

One of his poorer games. Loftus-Cheek, Hazard and Kante brushed past him on multiple occasions, and he didn’t clear up as much because of it. Passed well in the second half, including a glorious volley across the pitch, but his performance nowhere near the high standards he has set.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 30th March

Even in a game where he isn’t near his best, he makes so many fantastic challenges and interceptions. Not just easy ones, but ones that he has no right to win.

Huddersfield Town

4-3: Saturday, 16th March

Not near his best, with some uncharacteristically sloppy passing at times.

Cardiff City

0-2: Saturday, 9th March

Moments in the second half where he seemed exasperated by how bad his teammates were. Made some good challenges, struck the post, but not at his best.

Cardiff City

0-2: Saturday, 9th March

The 20-year-old surprisingly came closest to scoring. He could have perhaps done more to lift West Ham’s poor performance.

Newcastle Utd

2-0: Saturday, 2nd March

If it was a chance to compare youngsters Rice and Longstaff, Declan won every round. Passed forward excellently, broke up passages of play in the middle, headed in the first goal.

Manchester City

0-1: Wednesday, 27th February

Not a glittering performance in the Rice repertoire, although one moment where he stepped forward, intercepted a pass then sprayed a ball wide to Anderson without a moment’s hesitation was glorious. Forward passing is improving.

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2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

vs Fiorentina

vs Leicester City

vs Leeds United

vs AZ Alkmaar

vs Brentford

vs AZ Alkmaar

vs Manchester United

vs Bournemouth

vs Gent

vs Fulham

vs Newcastle United

vs Southampton

vs Aston Villa

vs AEK Larnaca

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

vs Manchester United

vs Nottingham Forest

vs Tottenham Hotspur

vs Chelsea

vs Newcastle United

vs Everton

vs Wolves

vs Brentford

vs Leeds United

vs Arsenal

vs Leicester City

vs Crystal Palace

vs Manchester United

vs AFC Bournemouth

vs Liverpool

vs Southampton

vs Anderlecht

vs Fulham

vs RSC Anderlecht

vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

vs Everton

vs Silkeborg

vs FCSB

vs Chelsea

vs Tottenham Hotspur

vs Aston Villa

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

vs Nottingham Forest

vs Manchester City

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

Servette FC

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City

Norwich City

Eintracht Frankfurt

Arsenal

Eintracht Frankfurt

Chelsea

Burnley

Lyon

Brentford

Lyon

Everton

Tottenham

Seville

Aston Villa

Seville

Southampton