KEY POINTS

  • David Moyes cannot help but praise Declan Rice's performance this season
  • The midfielder has been heavily linked to a transfer away from the club
  • Rice declares his commitment to West Ham United amidst the rumors

Amidst many transfer rumors, West Ham United manager David Moyes could not help but heap praise upon midfielder Declan Rice.

"I don't like saying it in front of him but he's arguably one of the best young midfield players in Europe, if not the best,” declared Moyes regarding his transfer-linked midfielder in a pre-match press conference against Rapid Vienna.

“There's pressure on him (Declan Rice) enough. He gets told off enough by me as well, so he has to live with that. But overall, we're really happy with Declan and what he does. His performances have been excellent and I hope it continues.”

Rice has been heavily mentioned in rumors to a transfer away from the club because of his skills as a defensive midfielder.

The England international has garnered attention from major English Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea during the most recent summer transfer window.

Despite having not agreed to a contract extension just yet, Rice declared that there is no other place he would rather be right now than with West Ham United.

“Everyone knows how I feel about West Ham and how I feel about playing under the manager and what it's like playing with the group of players I'm playing with,” said the 22-year-old Rice.

“You can see how happy I am on the pitch, I love playing for this team and this manager (David Moyes). Honestly, it's such a great place to be around at the moment,” he added.

“I feel you can see in my performances (that) nothing's up, nothing's concerning me. I'm playing with a smile on my face, I'm going out there, I'm leading the team."

West Ham United is coming off an important victory over Manchester United, knocking them out from the Carabao Cup.

For now, talks of an extension and transfer rumors play second fiddle to Rice’s focus on helping West Ham United get the win over Rapid Vienna in their UEFA Europa League.

"The mentality around the place is that every competition we're entering is one we can go on and win for sure. We want to win it,” Rice stated.

“The only thought on my mind is to go out there and put on a performance for the fans and get the win.”

Their next Premier League fixture is at home against Brentford on Sunday, October 3.

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