Jamie Redknapp has tipped Declan Rice to reach the top after scoring the winner against Arsenal on Saturday.
Rice beat Bernd Leno with a first-time shot after a good lay-off by Samir Nasri to give West Ham the victory at the London Stadium.
The 19-year-old ran 11.4km which was more ground than any Arsenal player covered and Redknapp compared him to Manchester City's Fernandinho.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: ‘You look at players like Fernandinho at Manchester City and they must be looking at Declan Rice thinking “he’s the next one” because it’s so hard to find good players in that position.
'He's come in from centre back and is now one of the best defensive midfielder's around.'
Injured West Ham star Jack Wilshere was in the studio and he agrees with Redknapp that Rice has a big future ahead of him.
Wilshere told Sky Sports: ‘I can’t believe he is still 19. I had obviously heard about him when I came to the club, but seeing him on the training ground, he has a big future ahead of him.
'I’m struggling to think of a defensive midfielder who does it better than him in the league.
'I’m not saying he is the best in the league but he is definitely on the right track.
'I definitely see his future playing in that defensive midfield position. He has arguably been West Ham’s best player this season, certainly the most consistent, and with the maturity of his performances at such a young age, he is only going to get better.’
Hammers captain Mark Noble continued the praise on the teenager and believes the West Ham fans are recognising his form.
Noble told Sky Sports: ‘I think you could see, it was not only from the players but you could hear it from the fans as well.
'It has been a special six months for Declan, he’s just signed a new long-term contract and now got his first goal.
'I won’t be surprised if he struggles to sleep tonight. We are all here to see how special a talent he is.
'For any young players around the country who want someone to look up to, Declan is your man.’
emondorock
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He certainly Declan...ed us.....wheres our stand up players....Emery needs to start this team firing Ozil or not before its too late.
Babysong
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Another pundits going gaga over a youngster..do you remember the last West Ham wonderkid who scored against Arsenal? Reece Oxford...now what happen to him since then...so quite not even make it on the bench.
LiveFootball
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So a player can't be good and remain in his club? He must move
typewriter
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A top top player in the making
Nuckcik
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He's got the ability to reach the top but money is always a huge distraction for younger players. Fortunately, he seems to be wise beyond his years so he shouldn't have any problems in that regard.
Olivers
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Not only that, but City are a fabricated "BIG CLUB" they'll never have the respect and love like Man united, that takes years to build. Look at city Carbao Cup semi final, empty!! Then look at Westham, small club? Mid table always flirting with relegation, stadium they don't like? SELL OUT EVERY GAME
Tecacdipu
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touth time for Arsenal it will takes many years for the club to have a single trophy unless the club gets a new owner who knows the importance of buying quality players
kamaarh
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Arsenal have got to improve it's game I like Guendozi but I'd rather Torreira in that CDM position .
Gabrieljackson
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ok they have started with their hype please let the kids be