Manuel Pellegrini believes there is still plenty of improvement left in Declan Rice after West Ham United’s outstanding teenage star signed a new long-term contract.
Eighteen months on from making his first-team debut at Sunday’s opponents Burnley, Rice has continued to flourish under Pellegrini’s guidance this season, making the influential deep-lying central midfield position his own in recent months.
The Hammers manager says Rice has earned not only the new five-and-a-half year deal he signed this week, but also the widespread praise he has received from teammates, supporters, ex-professionals and journalists.
Now, the Chilean, who has overseen the development of outstanding young players at every club he has managed, has urged the 19-year-old to take his game to the next level over the coming seasons.
“I am extremely pleased that Declan has extended his contract and secured his long-term future at West Ham United,” said Pellegrini, who has started the No41 in West Ham’s last eight Premier League matches. “It is thoroughly deserved and I congratulate him.
“Declan is still a young player with his career ahead of him. He already has 50 Premier League appearances at the age of 19 and has shown a very good performance level this season, but there is still more to come.
“Much has been said and written about him this year, but it is to his credit that he has not allowed that to affect his game. He has great focus, dedication and desire. Most importantly, he wants to learn more every day, which is why he has such a bright future.
“Everyone at the Football Club thinks very highly of Declan – he is a pleasure to work with every day and an example to any young player trying to make it at the highest level.”