Mauricio Pochettino: Enzo Fernandez vs Declan Rice comparison unfair
Mauricio Pochettino feels it's unfair to compare the impact of Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea to that of Arsenal's Declan Rice, ahead of today's Emirates Stadium clash.
Declan Rice is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal.
After being dumped by Chelsea at the age of 14, Rice joined West Ham and broke into the first-team squad at 18. He quickly became a first-team regular, then captain and helped the club secure a first trophy since 1980.
On the international stage, after playing for the Republic of Ireland at youth level, he ultimately committed his international future to England and is a regular member of the side.
On 16 December 2015, Rice signed his first professional contract with West Ham United. After solid performances for the U23 team, he was called up to the senior squad in April 2017 for games against Sunderland and Everton.
His performance against Arsenal saw him win West Ham's Individual Performance of the Season award at their annual ceremony, also taking home the Players' Player of the Year and Young Hammer of the Year prizes.
Rice enjoyed a strong 2021/22 season, helping the Hammers to a first European semi-final for over 40 years.
Rice, who had made 245 West Ham appearances, scored 15 goals and been named Hammer of the Year three times, penned an open letter to the club's fans, revealing the desire of playing in the Champions League was one of the reasons behind his "tough" decision to leave.
Although Rice was born in London, his grandparents are from Cork and so he was eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland. He was named their Under-17 Player of the Year in March 2017.
Rice is on £250,000-a-week salary at Arsenal and is net worth is believed to be around £15m.
Mauricio Pochettino feels it's unfair to compare the impact of Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea to that of Arsenal's Declan Rice, ahead of today's Emirates Stadium clash.
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Declan Rice is well aware that Arsenal must keep the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City as they battle for the Premier League title.
Declan Rice is well aware that Arsenal must keep the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City as they battle for the Premier League title.
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