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West Ham United attacker Manuel Lanzini has claimed that Declan Rice ‘can be better’ than Javier Mascherano if he ‘stays focused’ and continues to improve.
Rice has earned rave reviews for his performances throughout the season and could soon earn an England call-up after switching his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.
Mascherano made seven appearances for West Ham during the 2006-07 season, meanwhile, before going on to represent Liverpool and Barcelona ahead of a move to China.
The 5ft 9in ace, in his prime, was widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in world football, whilst he developed into an outstanding centre-back at Barcelona.
The 34-year-old has five La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns to his name, but Lanzini, who has played alongside Mascherano for Argentina, has insisted that ‘the hero of the team’ Rice can surpass the South American.
Lanzini – a four-time Argentina international – told West Ham’s official website:
“Declan for me is the hero of the team. He is a very young player, but it is as if he has played 200 games. He is amazing.
“I like to play with him because he has good touch, he has good recovery, I think he is one of the best players in the Premier League.
“He is [like Javier Mascherano]. I played with Mascherano and he is a very good player. He is 20 and I think Declan needs to continue like this, if he stays focused and I think he can be better than Mascherano.”
Check out the video below to see Pl>ymaker FC’s American Soccer Fan give his take on all six ‘field goals’ in West Ham v Burnley…
Rice has found the back of the net on two occasions in 26 Premier League appearances for West Ham during the 2018-19 campaign.
The 20-year-old signed a new long-term deal with the Hammers in the latter stages of 2018.