Fansided

10 young players to watch

By James Dudko

Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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IPSWICH, ENGLAND – JULY 28: Declan Rice of West Ham during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on July 28, 2018 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND – JULY 28: Declan Rice of West Ham during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on July 28, 2018 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images) /

9. Declan Rice, West Ham

New West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini may have visions of a lump of clay when he considers Declan Rice. Specifically, Pellegrini will be looking at a gifted 19-year-old he can mold into something special.

Prior to Pellegrini’s arrival, Rice offered hints of his talent as a precocious centre-back on David Moyes’ watch last season. His future could be slightly further forward, though, with Pellegrini trying the young Republic of Ireland ace in a defensive midfield role during preseason.

Rice can take to the position thanks to his heady mix of intuition, technique and discipline. Understanding space will be key if the teenager is tasked with protecting the Hammers’ back four.

Fortunately, Pellegrini’s presence means the learning curve needn’t be a steep one. The 64-year-old Chilean has a solid history of featuring classy and capable defensive midfielders.

He signed Fernandinho for City in 2013, after helping make Marcos Senna a star at Villarreal. Rice is Pellegrini’s latest project, one talented enough to become a focal point of West Ham’s season.