Rice and midfield partner Tomas Soucek have both been major contributors to the Hammers’ brilliant Premier League campaign and are both highly sought after in the transfer market, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United believed. He is arguably the best holding midfield player in the country and the best thing about Declan is he will get better, said West Hams manager, speaking in. Internationally, he represented the Republic of Ireland at youth and senior levels until deciding in 2019 to represent England. West Ham manager David Moyes has insisted star players like Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek won’t come cheap amid growing interest from top clubs in Europe. click here to view the features of Soccer Manager or register for an account. Declan Rice (born 14 January 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre back or defensive midfielder for Premier League club West Ham United. Rice has played in the first 11 in Premier League in each of the last 75 at home matches.