Declan Rice hails 'influence' Mark Noble, hints at long-term stay | OneFootball

Declan Rice is one of the best young talents West Ham have produced in recent memory, and he credits his rapid improvement to captain Mark Noble.

The 20-year-old has already earned six England caps, something Noble never was able to experience, but is yet eternally grateful for his leadership.

“I’m improving every week and what better person to have around me than Mark Noble? He talks to me all the time about what I can improve on,” Rice told West Ham’s official website.

“Being with him on the pitch, he is such an influence on me and helps me out. He is always onto me if I make a mistake in training, telling me what I’ve done wrong.

“He knows I’ve got the quality to do it right, so he tells me when I’ve done it wrong. That’s what is good about Nobes.”

Rice recently signed a long-term deal with the club and there has been a lot of talk surrounding his potential future. However, Rice hinted that he may opt to stay at the Olympic Stadium for the foreseeable future.

“I signed a five-year contract with West Ham last year until 2024. For me, this is the best place to be right now under a manager in Manuel [Pellegrini] who believes in me, gave me my chance and plays me every week.

“I think West Ham is the best place for me, with the teammates I have around me.”

Rice and West Ham will now prepare to continue their fantastic start to the season on Saturday when they travel to Goodison Park to take on struggling Everton.