Back in 2021, Xavi Hernandez lavished praise on to Declan Rice, who has now been linked with a big-money transfer to Manchester City.
In an interview with the Times, the Barcelona boss gave his verdict on the West Ham United skipper, who City are reportedly willing to offer £200,000-a-week in wages to secure his signature.
It seems like Xavi Hernandez has always been an admirer of Declan Rice, who could well join Manchester City in the summer.
What Xavi Hernandez said about Manchester City-linked Declan Rice in 2021
It has been previously reported that the England international, who seems to be Arsenal’s prime target is the replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who now looks set to join Barcelona.
Branded as an ‘exceptional player’ by Pep Guardiola himself via Beanyman Sports, the Kingston upon Thames-born midfielder could potentially partner Rodri at the Etihad Stadium next season.
If there were any Manchester City fans that had question marks about whether Declan Rice was worth the hype, Xavi Hernandez’s stamp of approval is likely to change their minds.
“I have also been hugely impressed by the two midfielders, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips [at Euro 2020].”
“I did not know them that well, but they were superb.”
Proof of how much potential Declan Rice has
Perhaps due to being 24, Rice is now viewed as a young player.
But at his age, Declan Rice is already one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and it is no coincidence that the likes of Xavi and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rate him so highly.
The fascinating aspect about the Hammers legend is that he already ticks virtually every single box but not completely.
While Declan Rice is a rare physical specimen and his defensive nous is simply world-class, his ball-carrying is absolutely elite as well and while he does have room to improve technically, his current level is more than encouraging.
If he agreed to join Manchester City and played under a coach like Pep Guardiola, he has all the tools to develop into a bona fide superstar.
