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Joe Cole names the key influence behind West Ham’s Declan Rice
Former West Ham United star Joe Cole has showered praise on Declan Rice , but believes his rapid raise can be attributed to another player at the club.
Rice has now established himself as a key player for the Hammers, after making his debut for the club on the last day of the 2016/17 season.
The 20-year-old is the club’s best young prospect, and last term his form earned him a call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate.
Rice’s development has blown Cole away, but in his eyes, the youngster has club captain Mark Noble to thank for his fantastic early progession.
He said (): “Declan Rice is very tactically astute. He has got an old head on young shoulders and is in the right position at the right time.
“Credit has to go to Mark Noble as well, who I know looks after him and acts as a mentor. If you’ve got a good senior professional within a team who has a strong voice on the pitch, that can take your game up by 10 to 15 per cent.
“I believe those two formed a really good partnership towards the end of last season.”
TBR’s view
£50,000-a-week star Noble () has undoubtedly had a positive influence on Rice during his fledgling career so far.
The pair always speak warmly of each other and it is clear there is a great relationship there.
Rice’s calm and composed nature is very refreshing for one so young and one can bet Noble’s leadership and mentoring has played a part in it.