Newcastle United and England right-back Kieran Trippier rates West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Manchester United’s Casemiro.
The 24-year-old Hammers captain has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea the sides most linked with interest in Rice, who David Moyes recently said would smash the British transfer record of around £107million if he leaves the London Stadium, with the new record being sent when Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica last month.
England colleagues Trippier and Rice played against each other on Saturday evening as the Hammers came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, with Rice’s corner leading to Lucas Paqueta’s equalising goal in the first half.
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Asked who he rated the most between Rice and Arsenal midfielder Partey, who has helped the Gunners to a stunning campaign so far, Trippier praised Rice’s quality shown during his recent performance against the Magpies.
“Declan. Declan's unbelievable,” Trippier replied when asked by former England defender Rio Ferdinand about the comparison between Rice and Partey on the Vibe with Five podcast.
“I don't know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he breaks up play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is. Unbelievable, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.”
Trippier was later asked who he preferred out of Casemiro and Rice, with Casemiro proving to be one of the best signings in the Premier League this season.
Despite Casemiro’s form, Trippier has said that Rice is playing even better and would pick him out of the two, comparing him to ex-Hammers midfielder Michael Carrick.
“As defenders like me or yourself, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or what Declan does,” said Trippier, in response to Ferdinand’s question on Casemiro.
“So it makes your job easier when they're just mopping everything up. Don't get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he's won, the Champions Leagues, he's a world-class player, but if you're talking right now, Decs is incredible.”
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