Declan Rice is the ‘heart’ of West Ham and can be better than Javier Mascherano, claims Manuel Lanzini

REUTERS
Ken Dyer4 March 2019

Manuel Lanzini says Declan Rice will become a better player than Javier Mascherano - if he stays focused.

Mascherano went on to play for Liverpool and Barcelona after a spell at West Ham with Carlos Tevez in 2006.

Lanzini, an Argentina international team-mate of Mascherano, was full of praise for Rice, 20, following another impressive performance by the midfielder, who scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Newcastle.

“Declan is the heart of the team,” said Lanzini, who played his first full 90 minutes against Rafael Benitez’s side since returning from eight months out with a serious knee injury.

“He’s very young but it is like he has played 200 games.

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"It is amazing to watch him and I like to be in the team with him because he has a good touch, good recovery and he is one of the best players in the Premier League.

“I have played with Mascherano and he is a very good player.

"Declan has started so well and he needs to continue like this. If he stays focused he can be better than Mascherano.”

England assistant manager Steve Holland was at the London Stadium to watch Rice and he looks increasingly likely to be in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the start of their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign when it is announced in a week’s time.

Lanzini, meanwhile, has his own international ambitions following the heartbreak last summer of rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament while preparing for the World Cup with Argentina.

“When the injury happened just before the World Cup it was very difficult to stay positive because it was a dream to play in the tournament,” he said. “It was difficult but a lot of people, my girlfriend and my family, supported me and that meant a lot to me.

“I am feeling good now and I am happy to be playing again. The knee is strong with no swelling. It would also mean a lot to be back in the international squad — it’s my dream. First I want to do well with West Ham and if I do that I may have the opportunity to play again in the national team.

“I’m preparing for the Copa America in Brazil next summer but I know first I have to keep playing well here.”

Against Newcastle, Lanzini looked to be developing a good understanding with team-mate Felipe Anderson.

“I think Felipe likes players such as myself. We understand each other,” said the 26-year-old play-maker. “And we play in a similar way. It’s easy to play with him. We have other good players, though, and when we are all fit and together, I think we are a strong team.

“We are only four points away from seventh place in the Premier League table. In this League you never know what will happen but it is our objective to finish in that position.”

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Lanzini also said West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has been an influential figure during his recovery period.

“Manuel always talked with me,” he said. “He gave me that confidence a player needs by always saying he wanted me to be in the team. Manuel is a very good coach.”

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