David Moyes, the West Ham manager, has boldly claimed that the Hammers are now a stronger side without former captain Declan Rice.
The statement comes ahead of West Ham’s visit to the Emirates, marking Rice’s return to face his former club, Arsenal.
Rice made a high-profile move to the Gunners in a £105 million transfer and has made an immediate impact, becoming a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Contrary to expectations, Moyes emphasized that West Ham has not struggled in Rice’s absence; instead, the team has thrived and improved since the start of the season.
The departure of their former captain prompted the club to regroup and seek out new talent, a challenge that Moyes believes has made the team stronger.
Moyes expressed satisfaction with West Ham’s recruitment strategy, stating, “We’ve had to go out and find new players, who we thought could help us, and I think we’ve done it well.”
The Hammers have successfully adapted to the changes, displaying resilience and growth in the face of significant player departures.
Despite the competitive nature of Thursday evening’s match against Arsenal, Moyes conveyed goodwill towards Rice, acknowledging his talent and expressing pleasure at his success with the Gunners.
The manager’s perspective highlights the club’s ability to move forward positively even after losing a key player, turning a significant transfer into an opportunity for growth and renewal.