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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

West Ham: Tony Carr draws Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand comparison with Declan Rice

Tony Carr believes Declan Rice has all the tools to match the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole.

The former West Ham academy director oversaw a remarkable generation of youngsters in the early 2000s, with all four of Ferdinand, Lampard, Carrick and Cole winning numerous titles across glittering playing careers.

Rice, who joined the club’s youth ranks after being released by Chelsea, has established himself as perhaps the most important player in the first-team under David Moyes and a regular at international level.

One of the leading midfielders in the Premier League, West Ham have slapped a £150m valuation on the 23-year-old amid interest from former club Chelsea and Manchester United.

As it stands, the club are under little pressure to sell the midfielder and could even offer him Champions League football next season should they win the Europa League.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Carr - widely respected amongst the West Ham support - drew parallels between Rice and those who have previously come through the club’s system.

“That passion to improve. Frank had it, Rio had it, Declan has it,’ he said.

“He’d trained at Fulham after leaving Chelsea which would have been an easier commute from his home in Surrey but he liked the environment at West Ham.

“Our attitude was serious but we also had fun. You can’t develop players if they feel intimidated and are frightened to make a mistake.

“I see the same traits in Declan now that he had years ago but he’s also older and wiser. He plays with a bit more risk.

“He doesn’t have to try and copy anyone to become a legend in his own right.”

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