Declan Rice has already told Pep Guardiola which Man City icon he can replicate
Manchester City are said to have increased their interest in the West Ham captain, who has developed his game immensely from the defensive midfield role he is known for
Stepping up the hunt for Declan Rice and the West Ham midfielder has suggested he could try to replicate Yaya Toure’s role at the Blues.
The Athletic said on Thursday that City would make a formal offer for Rice, acting on a longstanding interest in the 24-year-old, although City themselves have kept their mouths shut on any move. Pep Guardiola looks set to revamp his options in midfield as Ilkay Gundogan is released at the end of his contract and Bernardo Silva has been linked with a transfer.
Rice had another strong season at West Ham. However, he admitted he was jealous of seeing his England team-mates compete for top-level honours, and he should move on. Rice made his name as a purely defensive midfielder and has since developed his game and now provides a driving force on the ball. Some of his rides are reminiscent of the powerful and athletic Touré, and that’s no accident.
I think a lot of people see me as just a starter who gets it, gives it and protects the back four,” Rice said in 2021. “I know, my teammates know, and the coach knows what I have. my locker.
“I think a lot of people see me as just a starter who gets it, gives it and protects the back four,” Rice told Sky Sports in 2021. “I know, my teammates know and the manager knows what I have in my locker.”
“I want to show that I can be exciting and put the ball forward. I have a good level of athleticism.”
I watched the best players over the years, the Yaya Toures, the Vieiras. There is still a long way to go to reach this level. “But the way they carried the ball up the pitch and pushed their teams forward is something I’ve been trying to learn and add to my game.”
Rice would do well to emulate Toure’s eight-year spell at the Etihad, which saw the Ivorian make 316 appearances, win three Premier League titles and win the club’s player of the year award for the 2013/14 season .
The West Ham man has certainly had more influence going forward, with five goals and three assists in all competitions this season, a personal best in his seven seasons with the Hammers.
Any pursuit of the midfielder will see City face Arsenal, who have long been considered leaders but have rejected two offers. Mikel Arteta’s side remain in talks and have made Rice their main target in midfield, with West Ham reportedly wanting more than £100m.
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