Flynn Downes has labelled West Ham United team-mate Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders in the world.
The Hammers duo will be hoping to help secure a semi-final berth when they face Gent in the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday night.
The first leg finished 1-1 after goals from Danny Ings for the east London-outfit and Hugo Cuypers for the Belgian team.
READ MORE: Flynn Downes makes penalties admission ahead of West Ham vs Gent Conference League second leg
Ahead of the second leg on Thursday night, the former Swansea City midfielder had high praise for the West Ham captain who had come into criticism earlier this season from pundit Graeme Souness, who claimed the England international needed to add more goals to consider himself a world-class player.
"Massive," Flynn replied when asked if Rice was an inspiration. "He is one of the best centre mids in the world. Playing alongside him every day in games and training is the best to learn from him the things he does. It is unbelievable."
Rice's West Ham contract expires in 2024 but the club do have an option for a further year. Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United are rumoured to strengthen their transfer interest in Rice once the summer window opens.
READ NEXT
- Full West Ham squad available for Europa Conference League clash against Gent with two absentees
- West Ham receive double fresh injury boost ahead of Gent and Bournemouth fixtures
- West Ham dealt fresh blow as Gianluca Scamacca injury extent confirmed after operation in Italy
- Nikola Vlasic’s struggles, Conor Coventry’s minutes, Nathan Trott’s form - West Ham loan latest
- Arthur Masuaku posts classy Twitter message after permanent West Ham transfer exit is confirmed
