West Ham attacker Jarrod Bowen says Declan Rice is growing into the club captaincy.
Rice replaced Mark Noble after the latter's retirement this summer.
“Dec is one of the best in this in this position for what he does," Bowen said. “He's not just a defensive midfielder but an attacking one as well. The way he carries the ball.
“The criticism aimed at him comes from Dec almost being too good. He's setting that bar so high for himself to be one of the best in the world at this position. I see his quality every single day in training and on a match day. He is the best in every game. He is just on another level - and he's still only 23."
“Dec has seen a proper leader in Nobes (former captain Mark Noble) and has taken [the role of captain] in his stride. He's never been a full club captain before, but what he does, he comes out and speaks to the media every single week. He has been that glue in the team."