Best players in the Premier League: Top 10 Central Midfielders this season

#8 Declan Rice (England, West Ham United)

West Ham United v Everton FC - Premier League

The English youngster rose through the ranks at West Ham United, catching the eye in the youth teams and subsequently earned his debut in the 2016/17 season. He was heavily involved last season but broke into the scene this year. Rice started in all of his 34 appearances for the Hammers this season and was substituted off just twice! For the record, he just turned 20 in January this year.

Rice has averaged around 45 passes per game in the league, creating one big chance, 2 through balls and registering 98 accurate long balls. He is a defensive midfielder who likes to tackle but is equally comfortable playing a more forward role.

The Englishman has averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, but has given away just 0.5 fouls per game on an average in the league! Despite his deeper role, Rice has scored 2 goals in the league this season.

The Englishman is a tireless worker on the pitch and is full of running. Rice has averaged 10.61Kms per game in the league this season, which is outstanding for a player of his age. The Englishman is blessed with wisdom beyond his years and it is not a wonder that Manchester United are rumoured to be pretty interested in bringing him to Old Trafford this summer, because he has been one of the best central midfielders in the league this season.