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‘World class’: Some neutral fans hail West Ham man’s display v Genk – not Benrahma

Giuseppe Labellarte

Thu 4 November 2021 21:45, UK

West Ham United star Declan Rice has been lauded by a number of fans following his Europa League display against Genk.

Although Said Benrahma was the standout player for the Hammers in Belgium, the England international also earned plenty of praise.

Things started badly for West Ham in David Moyes’ 1000th managerial outing as they fell behind after just seven minutes.

Joseph Paintsil opened the scoring with an accurate, low finish past Alphonse Areola and into the net via the post.

This marked the end of the Hammers’ run of 273 minutes without conceding since their opening game of the campaign.

However, Benrahma equalised just before the hour mark, connecting with Vladimir Coufal’s pass to fire home a first-time finish.

The 26-year-old then put West Ham ahead in the 82nd minute with a superb solo effort.

Sadly, West Ham conceded late on, Tomas Soucek flicking a cross backwards into his own net with a header.

Rice cut a frustrated figure in the first half, earning himself a needless booking, but grew into the game and helped gain control of the action.

Indeed, even neutral fans were impressed with the West Ham man’s display:

Declan Rice is unreal man

— Scott 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Scotty_Avfc)

Declan Rice is ready for top level. Potential best dm in the world.

— Emmelex (@KingOff1cial)

Declan Rice, What. A. Player.

— CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE X2 ⭐️⭐️ (@CarefreeChe1sea)

Declan Rice of Westham Utd is not an over hyped England player. He is not world class but he's on his way there.

Brilliant Baller.

— GoddyWalker Esq 🇳🇬 (@ogar_godwin)

How immense is Declan Rice

— Lew (@LMUFC_)

Declan rice is the best DM in the league. Hth

— YodaBagged🇮🇹 (@thfcohV2)

Unreal from Declan Rice. Coufal should be doing better

— alkaseem (@Alqaaa___)