Declan Rice is feeling back to his best and ready to lead West Ham United up the Premier League table.
The captain has been outstanding in recent matches, helping the Hammers record back-to-back home wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham, while his superb goal secured a draw at Southampton.
Rice produced another eye-catching performance in Wednesday’s defeat at Liverpool, too, completing 93.8% of his passes and making a series of important interceptions, tackles and blocks.
And the 23-year-old himself feels he is approaching his best form as he leads the Irons into another busy three-game week, with Premier League fixtures with AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United sandwiching a UEFA Europa Conference Group B tie with Silkeborg IF.
Already past the 200-game mark in Claret and Blue, and a starter for Gareth Southgate’s England in recent years, Rice relishes the opportunity to put on his boots and play as often as possible, citing the regularity of football for Club and country as a reason for his consistently imposing displays.
“Personally, I feel like I’m back to my level, even though I didn’t think I was too far off at the start of the season,” he confirmed. “I knew I could go up another two or three levels in the last few games I’ve been feeling back to my best again, to feel good again, and hopefully I can stay here now for the rest of the season, pushing the team to get as many points and put in as many good performances as possible.
“Some of the comments [in a recent press conference] I made about playing lots of games were taken and switched around, when in fact I was looking for a way to play even more games last season, as I wanted to get up to 70 for West Ham and England. I said I felt tired after games, but that’s because of the intensity and, of course, you should be tired when you come off the pitch!
“I want to play as much as possible. I train every day and I play every game I can. I know I’m in a privileged position and I actually want to play more games, as the more appearances I can get, the better it looks for me, so I want to keep pushing.
“I don’t like it when there is a week in between games. I like it that we’re in Europe because it means we’re playing every three or four days, because that’s how you find your groove.”
Next up for Rice is a Monday Night Football date with Bournemouth at London Stadium, where thousands of young Hammers will enjoy a half-time evening out with their families and friends thanks to the Club’s Kids For A Quid initiative.
“It’s half-term and I know the Club made this game Kids for a Quid, so I’m sure we’ll see lots of families and young faces in the crowd. The more kids who can come down and watch their idols play the better, and a pound is incredible value, so it’s great the Club is doing that and hopefully we can see as many happy children as possible.
“Football is a sport that youngsters love, and I feel it’s getting younger. I speak to my nephews, and they know everything, and they’re only three and four years old!”
