The England international, Declan Rice, made history by scoring his sixth goal in all competitions for the Hammers at Stadion Maksimir.
Declan Rice has joined Frank Lampard in West Ham’s record books after finding the net in their Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.
The Hammers traveled to Stadion Maksimir on Thursday night for their opening Group H fixture, having earned their spot in the Europa League by finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.
Michail Antonio set David Moyes’ side on their way to victory by scoring early in the first half, and Rice rounded off a comfortable 2-0 victory with a spectacular solo effort that also saw him enter into West Ham’s hall of fame.
Rice intercepted a loose pass in his own half in the 50th minute of the contest and proceeded to drive towards the opposition penalty area while showing off his impressive close control and balance.
The England international beat two defenders before firing a low shot through the Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper’s legs, becoming the Hammers’ youngest goalscorer in European competition since Frank Lampard over twenty years ago.
Lampard scored in a 1999-20 UEFA Cup encounter with NK Osijek at the age of 22 years and 88 days, with Rice only 157 days older when breaking his duck on the continental stage.
Rice’s overall West Ham record
Rice was making his 150th appearance across all competitions for West Ham against Dinamo and marked the occasion by scoring only his sixth goal for the club.
It was also the midfielder’s first-ever strike away from home, but he has also recorded six assists since making his debut back in 2015.
Watch the highlights of West Ham vs Dinamo Zagreb. HERE.
What’s next?
Rice will be back in contention for a place in Moyes’ starting XI when the Hammers play host to Manchester United in their next Premier League outing on Sunday.
Declan rice healvily linked with Chelsea.
Chelsea being a superior side are chasing Declan Rice for years now. As soon as Frank Lampard arrived as a manager at the Stamford Bridge, he started to pursue Rice.
Lampard is no longer the manager after failing to make an impact as expected. But the new manager, Thomas Tuchel is also keen on signing the youngster from West Ham, which is not looking likely to go through.
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