West Ham’s Declan Rice names Manchester City legend as his toughest Premier League opponent
The West Ham midfielder has faced some great players in his career but thinks this former City star is his toughest yet.
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has named Manchester City legend David Silva as his toughest opponent.
The 23-year-old, who has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium in recent transfer windows, believes the former City No.21’s was ‘so intelligent’ in and out of possession when they came face-to-face.
Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, the England international explained why he picked Silva as his toughest opponent.
"He was just so intelligent,” Rice said.
“When he had the ball, he was planning his next step. That was him on the ball.
"Off the ball, the positions he took up, he was just constantly on the move, constantly checking his shoulder, knew his next pass, playing eye of the needle balls through the back of our line. He was a real tough opponent."
Rice has been linked with a move to the Sky Blues this summer, with the 23-year-old having more assists (4) than City’s Bernardo Silva (1), Rodri (1), Fernandinho (1), Kevin de Bruyne (2) and Ilkay Gundogan (3) so far this campaign.
According to The Telegraph, Pep Guardiola’s side are interested in bringing the England international to the Etihad Stadium next summer. However, City face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for the midfielder’s signature.
The site claims that due to the Hammers not signing any players during the January transfer window, this ‘lack of ambition’ could lead to ‘fresh hope’ that the above mentioned clubs can sign the 23-year-old this summer.
Rice has 27 caps for England so far in his career, scoring twice for the Three Lions.