THIAGO ALCANTARA has been named by Declan Rice as one of the toughest opponents he’s ever faced.
West Ham star Rice, 24, is flying high after leading his side to the Europa Conference League.
Europa Conference League winner and West Ham star Declan Rice has named his toughest opponentsPA
GettyRice ranks Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara up there with the best of them[/caption]
He’s gone on to accumulate over 245 appearances for The Hammers since his 2017 debut, and during that time he’s faced some of Europe’s most promising players.
But Rice, who looks set for a big-money transfer this summer, admitted that 32-year-old Liverpool star Thiago is one of the most tricky players to take on.
While appearing on the Tubes and Ange Golf Life YouTube channel, Arsenal target Rice said: “I played against Thiago for Liverpool last season (2021).
“He’s just so silky. He just plays the game at his own pace. He was proper.”
Thiago endured a slow start when he arrived at Anfield in 2020 which made him the subject of heavy criticism.
But he’s since proved to be one of Liverpool’s strongest assets, playing a crucial role in helping the club to League Cup and FA Cup glory.
Rice also named Eden Hazard, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne on the list, along with Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele.
Speaking about the Frenchman, who spent this season on loan at Italian champions Napoli, Rice added: “This one will surprise you. He gets slammed and hammered a little bit.
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“It’s going to take you back, but Ndombele, who was with Spurs.
“The perception of him, it shouldn’t be what it is because I tell you now, he is one of the toughest I have played against. He is top.
“Just a street footballer on the pitch. He takes the ball anywhere, little flicks and tricks.”
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