When Newcastle United took on West Ham United on Saturday night, there was no denying that Declan Rice was the best player on the pitch.
The Hammers captain was immense in the 1-1 draw, and provided the assist for Lucas Paqueta’s equaliser.
Away from the disappointment of not winning, a lot of the post-match discussion from Toon fans was about just how good Rice was – especially after he was seen chatting to Toon coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones after the full time whistle.
It is now two seasons in a row that he has put on a midfield clinic at St James’ Park, and Kieran Trippier was seriously impressed with his England teammate.
The Newcastle right-back has been speaking about Rice on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, and heaped praise on his performance on Saturday night.
Kieran Trippier on Declan Rice
Speaking on Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Trippier was asked who he thinks is better between Rice and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
“Oh Declan [is better than Partey]. Declan is unbelievable,” he said.
“I don’t know if you watched the game the other the night when we played West Ham but just his intelligence and 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.”
Surely too expensive for Newcastle
Trippier thinks Rice is among the best players in the world at what he does, and would surely love to play alongside him at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are set to be in the market for a midfielder this summer, and Rice would be perfect for the number six role in Eddie Howe’s side. He would be an immense signing, and would allow Bruno Guimaraes to play higher up the pitch.
The Magpies have actually been linked with a move for the 24-year-old. The Guardian reported during the World Cup that Newcastle could make a move for Rice if they are able to qualify for the Champions League.
That is still a possibility after 21 games, but bringing Rice to Tyneside will be incredibly difficult even if we do finish in the top four.
He is going to command a huge fee this summer, with David Moyes recently saying that he will cost a British record figure.
According to TalkSPORT, it will take a deal worth £120million plus add-ons to sign him this summer. That is just shy of double what Newcastle’s current record deal is, which should sum up why there is likely no chance of Rice swapping the London Stadium for St James’ Park.
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