Declan Rice would reach ‘another level’ if he ever leaves West Ham and has better players around him, says teammate Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell believes Declan Rice would reach new heights if he were ever to leave West Ham.
The Hammers defender insisted he did not want to see the 21-year-old leave - rating him as one of the best talents in the country - but believes he has the ability to go on to better things.
Rice has been consistently linked with a move away from West Ham, with recent reports claiming Chelsea are lining up a big-money bid for their former academy player, and keeping hold of their key man could get harder if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.
Cresswell told talkSPORT: “He’s close to 100 Premier League games already, and I’m not just saying that because he’s a West Ham player and a good mate of mine, but I really do believe he’s one of the top talents in the country.
“I wouldn’t like to see him leave, but if he were to ever leave he would become another level with better players around him.
“He’s come in at centre-back over the last couple of games due to injuries we’ve had and he can play either. It’s a great option he’s got but in terms of ability-wise, he’s a fantastic player."
Cresswell, meanwhile, is confident West Ham will go on to secure their Premier League status this season.
The Hammers are 17th in the table and only out of the relegation zone by virtue of a better goal difference than Bournemouth.
They have lost both their games since the season restarted and next face Chelsea at home in a big London derby - live on talkSPORT this Wednesday.
But Cresswell said: “As a team, as I’ve mentioned before, the kind of luck against Tottenham didn’t go our way and get the break we needed.
“But I’m confident we are going to stay up, for sure. It’s down to use now as players and as a team to make sure that happens.
“We are fully focused and fully confident that will happen.”