Jack Wilshere has heaped praise Declan Rice, whom he shared a dressing room with at West Ham, believing the England international is a “freak physically” and has the capacity to “do anything”.
Rice, 22, has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the country, helping West Ham finish sixth in the Premier League last season, ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham, to reach the Europa League group stages, as well as playing his part in England’ Euro 2020 final defeat.
The Londoner has become the poster boy of David Moyes’ era in E20 and, despite his still tender years, dons the captain’s armband on matchdays in place of regular skipper Mark Noble, who has taken on a peripheral role at the club, in what will be his final season as a player.
That form at the London Stadium has also translated to the international stage, where Rice has already accumulated 27 caps for the Three Lions and played a fundamental role in a double pivot alongside Kalvin Phillips as Gareth Southgate’s men reached the Euro 2020 final over the summer.
Rumours continue to be rife that Rice will leave the Hammers at some point down the line, with Chelsea and Manchester United most heavily associated with his name over the past few windows, but Moyes remains adamant that it would take at least £100m before the club considered entertaining offers.
Moyes also recently labelled Rice “one of the best young midfield players in Europe, if not the best”, and former West Ham teammate Wilshere has now echoed the sentiment of his old manager, suggesting the 22-year-old has the ability to “do anything” in the game.
“He has got better every year,” Wilshere told talkSPORT. “He had a really good Euros, like he was one of England’s best players and he has taken that into this season.
“Technically, he’s so good. When he gets into them positions, whether it’s his left foot or right foot, he’s got the opportunity to score because he can use both feet just as good.
“And he’s so fit. There’s not a problem with him getting into the box and then recovering into that defensive position because he’s a freak physically, he can do anything.”