Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger has named West Ham United's Declan Rice among the top midfielders at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old has been one of the Hammers' standout players in recent seasons and his form has not gone unnoticed.

Rice has earned 36 caps for England, been linked with big-money moves to Chelsea and Manchester United, among others, and is currently representing his country in the showpiece event in Qatar.

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The former Blues academy player is a regular in the Three Lions' starting XI and he will be key to their success in this tournament. And it appears ex-Germany international, Schweinsteiger, is a big admirer of the midfielder.

The 38-year-old said he likes to look at players in the number six position, a role he played in during his career, and thought Rice was right up there with Bayern's Joshua Kimmich, Juventus' Paul Pogba, and Manchester City's Rodri.

He said on Rio Ferdinand's Youtube channel: “I do also like Declan Rice. He’s really doing smart things on the field, I appreciate when someone is turning their head the whole time and checking things around.

“The balance between offensively and defence, it’s very important nowadays.”

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