Former West Ham academy chief Tony Carr says Decan Rice is capable of becoming among the best players in the world.
Carr was in charge of the Irons' academy when they picked up Rice after his release from Chelsea.
"Declan is a throwback," says Carr to the Daily Mail. "Clubs have to find ways of keeping young players grounded but you didn't have that problem with Declan.
"What I liked about him was he always looked you in the eye. If the coaches said something, he'd hold his gaze and show he understood.
"The hunger came from within whereas other players might get carried away if they travelled with the first team or were given a few minutes in the first-team."
Carr remembers the day in 2014 when, as academy manager, he was tipped off about the young midfielder.
"Our head of scouting Dave Hunt told me Chelsea were letting two players go that we should have a look at.
"I didn't know the names but when they turned up, I recognised them from academy games.
"Declan had the pedigree. He could pass and move, was always available to receive the ball and knew his position. We liked him, took him and the rest is history.
"The other lad was a right-back. We weren't 100 per cent sure but we also offered to take him. It was a bonus for us that Declan would have a team-mate he knew.
"He doesn't have to try and copy anyone to become a legend in his own right. All the talk about him leaving West Ham, you don't see it affect him on the pitch, being captain, communicating with the crowd.
"I can't predict what will happen. It's a decision he has to make. West Ham could win the Europa League and be in the Champions League next season. Or does he move to a club that is regularly in it like Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea?"
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