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Pablo Zabaleta Feels Decline Rice Could Be The Next Big Thing At West Ham United

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West Ham United defender Pablo Zabaleta has urged the club to secure the long term future of Declan Rice.

Predominantly a central defender Rice has been deployed in the midfield and has impressed in this new holding role. The 19 year old is in his last year of contract and talks regarding a new deal hasn’t been positive as the player has already turned down an offer from the club.

Rice’s development hasn’t gone unnoticed and he expected to get heavily involved in Manuel Pellegrini’s plan as the season progresses. The youngster played a pivotal role in the Hammers’ win over Everton as they registered their first victory in the Premier League this season.

He then carried his form to the next game as a determined West Ham robbed a point of Chelsea to halt their winning juggernaut. Zabaleta said, “He has the right ability and attitude to become of one of the greatest players for West Ham.

“West Ham need to think about his situation because even though he is young he looks so mature and he is proving week in, week out he can perform for the team.

“As a team-mate, for me he is one of those young players that you like to look after and help with all the information you can give him.

“You try to help out as much as you can, but then, of course, there are people who make decisions in this club about contracts and all those things and there is nothing I can do about it.

“He has more to learn but all the players need to look after him and keep his feet on the ground because even at the age of 19 or 20 and you play two or three good games in this league, you attract attention from everyone.

“There was all the stuff about the Ireland and England football teams and you have to know how to manage those situations. But it is important for his family and the players around him to look after him.”

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