West Ham United captain Mark Noble has heaped praise on Declan Rice, labelling him "the best young player" he's seen at the club for a long time.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, establishing him as a regular starter in both the Hammers and England squad.
Rice was listed amongst the PFA Young Player of the Year nominees and has been touted with a move to the Premier League's biggest clubs.
With so much hype around the young midfield anchor, Noble has added fuel to the fire by talking up his ability.
Speaking to BT Sport ahead of West Ham's clash with Everton, he said: "I think Declan, for me, is probably the best young player I've seen at West Ham for a long, long time.
"He's got everything. The only thing I worry about is he went away with England, they lost the other day, he got a little bit of stick and that's the way football is now, he's a kid."
Gareth Southgate has regularly selected Rice for England, highlighting his belief in the youngster.
Noble never made his debut for the Three Lions despite making 20 appearances for his country at youth level.
The Hammers' skipper has admitted it would have been nice to play for the senior squad but as time has passed he is just focusing on his performances for West Ham.
"There was a time when it was in every paper and I thought 'it might happen, I've got a chance now'," he said.
"The more that goes on, you tend to think 'I'm not really fussed anymore'. I know it sounds strange, when I was a kid growing up I dreamed of playing for West Ham, I can't remember dreaming for England, if you know what I mean."
