A twitter post from COYIrons left fans defending Hammers midfielder Declan Rice.
The post asked if fans thought the midfielder’s England criticism was affecting his West Ham performances. Indeed, the tweet left some fans confused, as it’s believed by many that the Three Lions international is playing well (which can be seen in the comments below).
Rice has played 900 minutes across 10 league games already this season, as noted by WhoScored.
Do you think the criticism of Rice for England is affecting his club form? #WHUFC
— COYIrons (@COYIrons_com) October 30, 2019
The 20-year-old has an impressive Whoscored average rating of 6.98/10 in the Premier League. The defensive-midfielder has also played six times for England this season but is yet to make any contribution by way of goals or assists.
Although it could be argued that the main point of his role in the team is to protect the backline, and data suggests that he has been doing that particular job rather well for the Hammers.
Rice has managed to achieve a solid average of 3.3 tackles per game in the Premier League so far, has made 2.2 interceptions and almost makes one clearance (0.7) every time he is on the pitch (WhoScored).
Many fans thought the Englishman was the best player against Sheffield United last time out, so they were a little confused as to how a question regarding an alleged dip in form was composed.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the question can be seen below:
No he was our best player last game
— Boris (@AlfieJohnson7) October 30, 2019
No, I think he’s playing great
— Allen Luther (@allenluther) October 30, 2019
No, been playing well
— Paul Holden (@paulholdenwhu) October 30, 2019
I dont think it shown in his performances but it must have done his head in. Hes been proper laid onto from some people, which is bang out of order
— NakOne (@Nakismu) October 30, 2019
Not noticed any dip in his form?
— John Spencer (@Spencerjohn7) October 30, 2019
I think it’s more what’s around him, for me Rice has been pretty solid this season
— Scott Barnard™ (@barnard_15) October 30, 2019
He literally had a great game vs Sheffield United ?
— Dan Ellis (@xDellisOfficial) October 30, 2019
He was our best player against Sheffield lol
— Phil Austin (@Phillyref01) October 31, 2019
He was our best player last game……
— Connor Quinn (@SpottoWatto) October 30, 2019
