Former West Ham United midfielder Joe Cole has opened up on what makes Declan Rice a standout talent and someone who could dominate the Premier League for years to come.
Rice has impressed in the last couple of seasons at West Ham, featuring in 34 Premier League games last season and breaking into the England squad after switching international allegiance from Republic of Ireland.
He has now made six appearances for the Three Lions, with many people tipping him to be an England regular in the coming years.
And Cole, who himself was a key figure for England from 2001 to 2010, believes that Rice's 'mentality' sets him apart.
“The academy coaches at West Ham have probably got a little back of stick over the last 10 or so years, because that line of players who were coming through during my era sort of dried up a bit,” Cole said.
“What I like about Declan is that his mentality is like a throwback.
"He really loves the sport and he really loves the game."
Cole even had the opportunity to play against Rice in training, with the 37-year-old adding that there is one thing that makes the midfielder stand out, amid reported interest from Manchester United.
“I actually trained with the youth team to keep fit, so I was lucky enough to play with him," Cole added. “He just had that mentality – it’s something you can’t measure against," he said.
“I think he’s done the right thing in staying at West Ham. He needs to develop, and there’s still levels for him to get too, and he’s at the right club to do that.”
