Eddie Howe has hailed Declan Rice as a 'top quality player' after David Moyes predicted the West Ham skipper would blow the British transfer record 'out of the water' following his performance against Newcastle United.
Newcastle set out to dominate in the middle of the park - even without suspended talisman Bruno Guimaraes - but Rice's presence was felt after Callum Wilson fired the Magpies in front in the third minute on Saturday night. It was Rice who helped his side get back into the game and earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at St James' Park and the England international's corner even set up Lucas Paqueta's equaliser in the 32nd minute.
Rice ultimately came out on top in all of his aerial duels; won possession back on a dozen occasions; and made three interceptions in a committed display. On the ball, meanwhile, Rice played six passes into the final third and four passes into the opposition box as the midfielder showed both sides of his game.
