Joe Cole compares Declan Rice to Paul Gascoigne as Peter Crouch claims he could ‘walk into any team’
Joe Cole compares Declan Rice to Paul Gascoigne and insists clubs ‘all over Europe’ would like West Ham captain as Peter Crouch claims the England star can ‘walk into any team’
- Joe Cole and Peter Crouch were full of praise for West Ham captain Declan Rice
- Crouch added Rice could “walk into any team” amid interest in the midfielder
- Rice’s current contract with the London Stadium expires at the end of next season
Joe Cole and Peter Crouch have given high praise to West Ham captain Declan Rice amid speculation over his future.
Rice became the fifth player to make 200 Premier League appearances for the Hammers when he captained Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The England midfielder also became the ninth youngest player to reach the Premier League table, with Cole insisting his wonder goal last week in the Europa Conference League against Gent represented a ‘bonus’ in what the midfielder has to offer his team.
‘It’s unbelievable. He is an all-round midfielder. He has been criticized a lot for not scoring.’ Cole continued BT Sports.
“When we see him play for England and he plays a role, he controls it from there and breaks the game, that’s what he does very well, but he added [goals] to his game.
Joe Cole compared Declan Rice’s goal against Ghent to ‘Paul Gascoigne in his splendor’
The 27-year-old won the ball in his own half and ran for 60 yards before heading home
“For me it’s not a necessity, it’s a bonus. I said it that night, this is Paul Gascoigne-esque, at its magnificence.
But he has that in his locker and I just think there will be so many suitors for him at the end of the season as clubs all over Europe want Declan Rice on their team. West Ham have a real gem and deserve him for getting to 200 games so quickly.’
Despite West Ham’s mixed performances this season, the 24-year-old shone again, leading to some of the Premier League’s elite eyeing the midfielder.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly made Rice his main target for the summer term, while Man City and Chelsea have also expressed interest in signing the England international.
Rice’s current contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of next season and Peter Crouch insisted he could start in any Premier League team if he decided to leave.
“It’s a tough one because if he stays he would be a West Ham legend,” said Crouch.
“But I think the fans understand that maybe he wants to play Champions League football.
“I think he could walk into any team, I really do. I think Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea; I think he would walk into any team.”
Rice has been the subject of much speculation over his future, with Arsenal reportedly keen to sign the midfielder