WHY RICE’S MAIDEN STRIKE IS MY MOMENT OF THE SEASON

Dogged Declan’s rise a lesson for all young stars

THROUGHOUT the hundreds of games I have covered, few moments have given me more satisfaction than Declan Rice’s winning goal for West Ham against Arsenal.

This is a player who has bounced back from rejection at a young age to become one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League.

I have followed Declan’s career for some time. He first caught my eye as a centre back in Chelsea’s academy. He reminded me of a young John Terry — assured in possession, strong in the air and a good communicator — but at 14 he was released.

That kind of setback has destroyed many a promising player but not Declan. He went to West Ham, knuckled down and within three years was making his senior debut.

Even this season, he has shown he is a fast learner. He looked like a fish out of water in defensive midfield at Anfield on the opening weekend of the season when Liverpool dragged him all over the pitch. Clearly seeing that Rice has the attributes to thrive as a midfielder, Manuel Pellegrini has helped him be more disciplined in that position. Pellegrini worked with Fernandinho at Manchester City. While Rice still has much to learn, against Arsenal he played like the Brazilian at his best. Rice (left) read the game superbly, picked pockets throughout and made some crucial blocks. His winning goal was the icing on the cake. After the ball rifled into the Arsenal net, you could see the joy written all over his face. All the heartache, all the disappointment that led to this moment will have made it all the sweeter.

For West Ham fans, Rice’s performance was nothing new. Scoring the winner against a top-six side means his talents have been showcased more widely.

Marko Arnautovic’s future has been discussed all week but tying Rice down to a five-and-a-half-year deal is the best business West Ham could have done.

It was a privilege to be at the London Stadium to witness his maiden strike. Keep up these brilliant displays and the Premier League’s top sides will start circling.

The new year is always a tough time for academy players. Clubs will be weighing up who they will keep on and, come March and April, many youngsters will have their hopes dashed.

Those who are tempted to give up on their dreams only need to look at Declan Rice. His rise is an example of why you should never give up on your dreams.