Declan Rice has been a key reason for West Ham’s surge up the Premier League and was a starter throughout England’s Euro 2020 charge – but is he your Fans’ Footballer of the Year
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Nominees revealed for Fans’ Footballer of the Year
Declan Rice has helped make 2021 a year to remember for West Ham and England fans.
His influence, performances and professionalism for club and country are well worthy of being named Reach Fans’ Footballer of the Year 2021 for his impact across the calendar year.
He has been a key man for the Hammers in holding midfield as he helped them finish an impressive sixth last term to qualify for Europe.
The former Chelsea academy reject made 32 appearances last season and weighed in with two goals and one assist.
This term you can really see the progression in the 22-year-old’s game as he learns to have an impact higher up the pitch.
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The ace has already contribute a goal and three assists in the Premier League for David Moyes’ men who are showing last season’s success was no flash in the pan.
Plus Rice has scored in Europe and for England too this campaign.
His Premier League stats show his shooting accuracy has risen from 30% to 44% but he is also making more recoveries per game.
His improved contributions no doubt reflect his growing maturity and also confidence after his England heroics this summer.
When England lifted the World Cup in 1966 , the role of West Ham stars such as Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst was vital.
Is Declan Rice your footballer of the year? Have your say in the comment section
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This year, current Hammers ace Rice impressed for Gareth Southgate’s side in their fabulous run to the final of the Euros.
He now has 27 caps in total after starting every game at the tournament this summer.
Rice has shown his hunger and dedication to carry that form on for Moyes’ men who are going well both domestically and abroad, where they top Group H and are already assured of a place in the last 16 in the Europa League.
No wonder the star is being billed as a £100million transfer target for the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
But it shows no sign of going to Rice’s head and his development really has been a joy to watch for England fans and especially West Ham supporters.
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What is there not to admire about the story of a teenager who was released by Chelsea aged 14 but went on to bounce back and subsequently thrive for club and country.
It is a great tale for any young kids facing the heartbreak of being released by professional clubs.
Off the pitch there is also much to like about Rice.
He even popped up on my TV screen in September at the BMA PGA Championship at Wentworth with Mark Noble.
It sounds a bit daft but golf is a great , healthy activity for footballers to chill out and play in their spare time.
It was further evidence in my view that Rice has his head screwed on right.
I also liked the way he hung out afterwards with American champion Billy Horschel, who himself is a West Ham fan.
Both are gutsy winners and learning off fellow sportspersons is always a useful, fun exercise too.
So here’s to Rice after a superb 2021 but with his skills and progress, perhaps 2022 could be even more exciting.
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