West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini believes Declan Rice is England’s BEST defensive midfielder and compares him to Javier Mascherano

West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini believes Declan Rice is England’s BEST defensive midfielder and compares him to Javier Mascherano
Manuel Pellegrini insists Declan Rice is England’s best defensive midfielder and compared the West Ham starlet to Javier Mascherano.The 20-year-old controversially switched nationalities from the Republic of Ireland last week, despite making four senior appearances for the Boys in Green.3

Rice has been so consistent for West Ham this season

Born in London with Irish grandparents, Rice only appeared in friendly fixtures so FIFA regulations allow him to switch.The former Chelsea youth starlet is set to make his 60th appearance for the Hammers tonight against Fulham and Pellegrini believes he is ready to make the jump to the national side.The Chilean said: He is ready to play for England. We are just starting the development of him as a player.“But at this moment his performances are better than every holding midfielder.3

Dier and Henderson are inferior to Rice at this moment, according to Pellegrini

At least I am talking about the English players. Maybe there are other foreign players in big teams also playing well, like Fernandinho.“But I repeat we are just starting to see what will be with Declan in the future.He is improving in a lot of different things in that position. Maybe he must improve more and have a better view of the pitch but he has such good technique that he never misses a pass.He is always keeping his position in the correct moment so as a young player he will always be learning more things, but at this moment he is a complete player.3

Mascherano worked under Pellegrini as a teenager

During his time as River Plate boss, Pellegrini managed a 17-year-old Javier Mascherano and says Rice reminds him of the former Barcelona star.He added: Mascherano at 17 was similar to Declan in his mentality they seem to have the mentality of a 35-year-old.But Declan knows he is just starting and that is important.“He is always listening when you talk to him and always trying to learn from others with more experience.

---

Tottenham team news: How Spurs could line-up against Huddersfield without Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and four other injured stars Mauricio Pochettino has got a selection headache on his hands as the
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea: Team news, odds and stats

---

WES BROWN is certain that Marcus Rashford will become a Manchester United club legend if he stays for life. The former United star said: "If Rashford stays for the next ten years at Man Utd he
Marcus Rashford in line for new deal at Manchester United

---

A talkSPORT caller opened up to Leon McKenzie about his struggles with mental health - and the former footballer and boxer stepped in to help.. Live on air, Mark told McKenzie how various events in his life have left him feeling like he has nowhere to turn.
January transfer window winners and losers include Saido

---

Maurizio Sarri will steer Chelsea away from top four unless

---

Arsenal transfer news LIVE - All the latest news and gossip from the Emirates Jose Antonio Reyes dies, £4m Colombia defender wanted, Lacazette in Barcelona. Country star Granger Smith's
Transfer news live: Man United target promised move, Arsenal

---

Sean Cox: Brother of Liverpool fan who suffered serious injury in attack by Roma supporter says their lives have 'changed completely' Sean Cox addresses public for the first time.
~ Sean Cox: Liverpool supporter to leave hospital for first

---

Manchester City became the first men's team in English history to win the domestic treble on Saturday. A 6-0 win against Watford at Wembley secured the FA Cup, which Pep Guardiola's side have
Manchester United launch new Treble-inspired home kit

---

Everton star Idrissa Gueye determined to secure £25m PSG transfer this summer Senegal star refuses to give up on dream move and declares he is 'ready to go to the final level to join a top
Everton's Idrissa Gueye Hints at Future PSG Transfer After

---

Every word of Unai Emery's Arsenal press conference: Suarez transfer update, permanent deals claim, West Ham clash, Ramsey future Written by: fpnews Posted on: January 11, 2019 Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend with a trip across London to face West Ham.
Unai Emery press conference: Every word on Cardiff win

---

Tottenham welcome Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund to Wembley tonight for their Champions League clash. Dortmund, who lead the German league despite drawing their last two games, were dumped out of the competition last season at the group stage, losing twice to Spurs.
Army Renews 'Cordial Relationship' with Sokoto Communities

---

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea: Team news, kick-off time, probable line-ups, odds and stats from the Premier League clash. Kieran Trippier could return to right-back for Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham proved one crucial thing against Chelsea - Spurs

---

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Tottenham, RESULT (0-4 agg): Harry Kane strike helps Spurs ease into Champions League quarter-finals. Harry Kane scored crucial away goal for Tottenham at start of the second
B Dortmund 0 - 1 Tottenham - Match Report & Highlights

---