Making a Case For Every Premier League Young Player of the Season Nominee
By Joel Edkins
Declan Rice:
Declan Rice is another example of a player that – alike his England teammate Saka – plays with a seniority likened to that of a player with more years on the 23-year-old.
Fielded as part of a double-pivot alongside Tomáš Souček, Rice has helped propel West Ham into a force both domestically and on the European stage.
Due to the streamlined nature of the squad at manager David Moyes’ disposal, the youthful skipper hasn’t been afforded the luxury of resting between games either, playing for the sixth-highest amount of minutes among midfielders this season (2,998).
Rice also ranks third among midfielders for passes completed and second regarding interceptions while leading the way for dribbles.
Declan Rice is the only player in the PL to record 40+ in each of the following metrics this season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 13, 2022
◉ 70 tackles made
◉ 58 interceptions
◉ 50 touches in the opp. box
◉ 49 take-ons completed
◉ 42 clearances
Which United will be playing for: Manchester or West Ham 🫧 pic.twitter.com/ZU6Bn5mKRw