West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal believes captain Declan Rice has saved the Hammers’ season after their late turnaround in the table.
After sixth and seventh placed finishes in the last two Premier League seasons, West Ham have spent much of the last six months languishing in the bottom six of the table. Sunday’s 3-1 win over Leeds United has taken them up to 14th, only the second time they have been above 15th since the end of October.
However, it could still be a season to remember for the Hammers, who are in the final of the Europa Conference League against Fiorentina in Prague next month.
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One of the star men for the side this season has been captain and midfielder Rice, who has been heavily linked with a transfer exit in the summer to London rivals Arsenal.
Against Leeds on Sunday, his equalising goal in the first half saw him reach five goals for the season, his joint-best for the campaign in all competitions, while his four in the league has been twice as many as his previous best tally for a league campaign.
Speaking on Rice’s influence, Coufal said that Rice’s performances have said West Ham this season.
"I said it roughly one year ago that he is on the right way to becoming one of the best defensive midfielders in the world,” said Coufal. “As a person, he is a top leader. I think he saved our season."
Coufal also spoke highly on midfielder Manuel Lanzini, who is expected to leave West Ham this season after eight years in claret and blue.
The Argentine was handed a late cameo against Leeds in what was expected to be his final appearance for the club, coming off the bench to add a late third in second half stoppage time.
Coufal has played 59 times for the club while Lanzini has also been on the pitch and has been full of praise for the 30-year-old and what he has bough to the club since his arrival.
"Manu is one of the best footballers I've ever met,” Coufal added. His composure on the ball and version on the pitch is amazing. I'm so grateful that he's been my team-mate.
“He's a fantastic player and he deserved his goal. The celebration showed how likeable he is as a person and a player.”
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