West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice has revealed that he watches his Man City and Manchester United counterparts in order to improve on his own game.
After struggling to nail down a position in his debut season in the Hammers first team in 2017/18, as he was moved across the back-line, he finally established himself as a defensive midfielder in last year's campaign.
Last season was Rice's breakout year as he played 38 times in all competitions, made his England debut and emerged as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the game.
His performances brought balance to an attack heavy West Ham side that finish in a respectable 10th and as a result he was linked with a massive transfer all summer, with United interested.
Instead the 20-year-old remained at West Ham and insists he still needs to prove and is watching some of the world's best holding-midfielders to do so.
"As a holding midfielder I’ve got so much to learn," Rice told Monday Night Football following a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa when his side were down to 10 men.
"I try to watch the top players; the likes of Fernandinho, Rodri, Carrick back in his day, Busquets and try to pick little bits out of their game, see how they play."
Rice has continued to be linked with a move to Old Trafford once the transfer window reopens in January as the club are considering signing a midfielder to strengthen the squad.
United legend Gary Neville believes Rice can develop into a 'fantastic' player but not sure if he's the player that United need.
"Would I say yes now at 80million, 90 million? I’m not feeling that personally at this moment in time," he told Sky Sports.
"But am I seeing a really good player who could potentially develop into something fantastic for the next ten years? Yes. I really do think that.
“But do United need another player? They’ve already got Matic, they’ve already got McTominay who are doing a similar role to what I see Rice doing.“
