22 May 2023 , 13:23
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Declan Rice is 90 minutes from lifting West Ham's first trophy in 43 years as his parting gift to the club and team-mate Vladimir Coufal admitted: “He saved our season.”
The England midfielder signed off for the 2022-23 campaign at the London Stadium with a goal and man-of-the-match display to push Leeds closer to the relegation trapdoor.
Rice also collected the Hammer of the Year gong before the 3-1 success which completed a fine fortnight for the Irons – four wins in five games confirming Premier League survival and clinched a place in the Europa Conference League final.
Hammers skipper Rice is expected to leave this summer, with Arsenal leading the £100 million-plus chase for his signature.
And Czech right-back Coufal – who can now look forward to a dream homecoming in Prague when West Ham face Fiorentina on June 7 – paid tribute to his captain's influence.
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Coufal said: "I said it roughly one year ago that he is on the right way to becoming one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. As a person, he is a top leader. I think he saved our season."
Although Rice's five goals this season is a modest return for a player of his gifts and market value, he has brought priceless leadership and consistency to a rollercoaster season for the Hammers.
Rice celebrates in front of the home fans for possibly the last time after scoring for West Ham vs Leeds (Elli Birch/IPS/REX/Shutterstock)They were always playing catch-up after beginning their Premier League campaign with three consecutive defeats, and 12 points from 18 away games on the domestic front left them perpetually on the back foot.
But in Europe, their form has been majestic – 13 wins and one draw in 14 contests – with Rice leading the charge.
He became a human shield for David Moyes when sections of the fan base turned on the West Ham manager, notably after heavy defeats against Brighton and Newcastle.
By leading the Hammers to Prague, Moyes has won over the doubters, and on the lap of honour after shunting Leeds closer to the drop, he was blowing kisses to the crowd – and they cheered him to the rafters.
Rice said: “Going into the last game and into the UEFA Europa Conference League final, it was important we build momentum.
"We had the fans behind us, in full voice, and they are loving our performances at the minute, which is giving us the confidence to perform and play well.”