Declan Rice has been a standout performer for West Ham this season — and it appears he will only get better and better. 

The England international has drawn the attention of the world's biggest clubs due to his immense presence in the heart of David Moyes' midfield.

Aged just 22, the former Chelsea academy talent is now captaining a team excelling at home and abroad.

Read on as we examine why Rice, who starred for England at Euro 2020, should now be regarded as one of the best players in Europe. 

Defensive superiority

Having played in the centre of defence as a youngster, Rice soon moved into midfield — where he has emerged as a formidable force.

A player who presses relentlessly, never shying away from launching into a 50-50 challenge, the London-born enforcer also shows a willingness to put his body on the line for his team.

Rice has already made over 20 interceptions in the Premier League this season, ranking fifth of all players in the division.

And this season no other Premier League player has recorded over 10 clearances, tackles made, interceptions, chances created, take-ons completed and aerial duels won, highlighting his impact all over the field.

His performance against Aston Villa on Sunday epitomised this ability, reaffirming his status as one of the most consistent players in England this season.

Attacking capability

Although the main role of a defensive midfielder is to protect his backline, Rice has no problem progressing up the pitch into the attacking third.

Often key in starting West Ham's transitions due to his ability to win the ball back in dangerous areas of the pitch, he is capable of picking out the right pass to launch an attack. 

West Ham's No41 is extremely comfortable with the ball, as highlighted by the fact he has only been dispossessed once in 900 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Having also scored three goals in all competitions this term, along with one for his country, the England ace has unlocked a new level to his game under Moyes.

Praising his star midfielder, the West Ham boss said: "I don't like saying it in front of him but he's arguably one of the best young midfield players in Europe, if not the best."

For someone like Moyes — who has managed over 500 Premier League games — to express such delight towards one of his players reaffirms the potential for Rice to become one of the world's best.

His attacking play is clearly not as impressive as his defensive expertise but the ability to demonstrate his versatility is what makes him stand out from the rest.

Destined for greatness

With his ability evident for all to see, it is unsurprising to see Rice linked with some of the giants of European football.

Manchester United and Chelsea are two of the clubs to have expressed an interest but Moyes has suggested potential suitors would have to break the bank for West Ham to even consider selling.

During the summer, the Scot said: "That's the way it is, you're not going to get rid of your better players, you don't do it — and if you are, it's going to be for huge money."

Not surprisingly, Moyes has reaffirmed his stance since then. He added: "There was a bargain to be got with Declan at £100m. That bargain’s now gone."

The international stage

Much has been said about the individual quality of Rice, but is he world class?

His former team-mate Sebastien Haller stated during a recent talkSPORT interview that the midfielder is definitely part of the conversation.

The Ajax forward said: "I can easily say that during my one-and-a-half years [with West Ham] he was the top two most important players in the team because he recovered a lot of balls. 

"The only thing I can wish him is to be a world-class player because he has the potential."

Rice's current contract does not expire until the summer of 2024, which puts West Ham in the perfect position when it comes to negotiating.

With the Hammers flying high, he appears more than happy to stick around in East London.  

But Rice may look to expand his options and seek Champions League football in the near future as he bids to compete for top honours.