Michail Antonio: Declan Rice is the third-best number six in the EPL | OneFootball

Michail Antonio claims West Ham defensive midfielder Declan Rice is one of the best players at his position in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has starred under manager Manuel Pellegrini and has since become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

“Declan Rice is one of the best defensive midfield players in the league,” Antonio told BBC’s Football Daily podcast.

“He is, the way I’d say it, after Fernandinho, after Kante, I’d probably put him third.

“As an example, against Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has gone through and is running into the box and he’s got probably ten yards on Declan, but I just thought ‘Dec is going to get the ball’. He cleans up everything.

“It’s just his stature with his long legs and he’s a tall guy. He keeps the team ticking, he’s technically quality, he’s got his left foot and his right foot and he’s young.”

Rice has played every single minute of West Ham’s Premier League campaign this season.

After the international break, West Ham will travel to Goodison Park to face Everton.