Eddie Howe has hailed Declan Rice as a 'top quality player' after David Moyes predicted the West Ham skipper would blow the British transfer record 'out of the water' following his performance against Newcastle United.
Newcastle set out to dominate in the middle of the park - even without suspended talisman Bruno Guimaraes - but Rice's presence was felt after Callum Wilson fired the Magpies in front in the third minute on Saturday night. It was Rice who helped his side get back into the game and earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at St James' Park and the England international's corner even set up Lucas Paqueta's equaliser in the 32nd minute.
Rice ultimately came out on top in all of his aerial duels; won possession back on a dozen occasions; and made three interceptions in a committed display. On the ball, meanwhile, Rice played six passes into the final third and four passes into the opposition box as the midfielder showed both sides of his game.
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It was a timely reminder why West Ham boss Moyes has no doubt that Rice will blow the British transfer record 'out of the water' and command an even bigger fee than the £106.8million Chelsea spent to sign World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica on deadline day if the 24-year-old ever leaves the London Stadium. Even opposite number Howe, who does not tend to comment on opposition players, could not help but pay tribute when asked about Rice's performance.
“He was very good, but that’s no surprise," the Newcastle head coach told reporters. "He’s a top quality player. He’s done that on the international stage. I thought you could feel his presence in midfield today.
"We had a plan to try to dominate that midfield area and it didn’t quite materialise but when you look at him and Paqueta next to him, they’re top quality players. West Ham are a very good team so, to beat them, you need to be at the very top of your game."
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