Just like that, everyone's talking about West Ham youngster Declan Rice.
Harry Kane, the Premier League's top marksman, couldn't find his groove on Thursday night and Declan Rice is deservedly getting a lot of the credit.
West Ham edged further out of the relegation zone after holding Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw at Wembley. While Pedro Obiang's goal of the season contender was crucial to the point, it was the Hammers' defensive prowess that earned the accolades after the final whistle blew.
Angelo Ogbonna's performance earned rave reviews, but Rice was the man who turned the most heads with his showing in defence.
https://twitter.com/WestHamUtd/status/949047024401436675
Former Hammer Joe Cole, speaking on Sky Sports, led the praise for Rice after the match. He believes the 18-year-old is the homegrown academy graduate fans have been waiting for.
"They've (West Ham) not seen a young player come through in a long time, and stay there. This kid here, looking at him, he could get in and stay in; and that's what the punters thrive off. They want to see one of their own in there."
Rice is from London, but he has represented the Republic of Ireland from U-16 right up to U-21 level. He qualifies for the Irish team through his grandparents, who were from Cork. Senior international recognition is unlikely to be far away if he continues to play well for David Moyes' team.
People watching the match were very impressed with his performance.
https://twitter.com/mattyethers/status/949037379054075904
https://twitter.com/MichaelBeale/status/949036520530432000
https://twitter.com/TomDown3/status/948314011682172929
https://twitter.com/ScoutedFtbl/status/949027328579047425
https://twitter.com/MasuakuWHUFC/status/949073223475499016
https://twitter.com/BroadcastMoose/status/949073290106155008
https://twitter.com/Sam_InkersoleTM/status/949059532109565953
https://twitter.com/boleyn_the/status/949043202996269056
https://twitter.com/philegansport/status/949040656844017665
https://twitter.com/hollseey/status/949037123864285184
https://twitter.com/Reggie_Disley/status/949041671379079168
