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Ferdinand’s comments come after West Ham’s superb 3-2 win over Liverpool which saw them leapfrog the Reds into third in the Premier League.

Declan Rice has been key to their brilliant form so far this season and has played every minute of the Hammers’ 11 league matches so far – scoring three goals and assisting three in all competitions.

Following the England international’s stand-out performances, Ferdinand has heaped praise on Rice.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Pablo Fornals of West Ham United (obscured) celebrates with Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, the ex-West Ham and Manchester United defender said: “He has arguably been the best midfielder in the country.

“He has dominated games, he has played with maturity. The Euros, something's clicked in him different.

“His game management, the way he can change the pace of a game at times, we saw that at Newcastle earlier in the season.

“He's added goals now. There's a maturity in his game for one so young that he's got levels still to go.”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates their side's victory after the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park on October 31, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Rice has turned down two contract extensions with the Irons and West Ham boss David Moyes has previously slapped a £100 million price tag on the 22-year-old – however the Scotsman has claimed the ‘bargain’ price is no longer on the table.

The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have been heavily linked with Rice in the past and it is uncertain how much longer the midfielder will remain at his boyhood club.

Rice will be in action with England during the upcoming international break as the Three Lions face Albania and San Marino in the World Cup Qualifiers this weekend.

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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - SEPTEMBER 02: Declan Rice of England celebrates the first goal by drinking from a cup thrown by the crowd during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Hungary and England at Stadium Puskas Ferenc on September 02, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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Rio Ferdinand names West Ham midfielder as 'best in the country' following win over Liverpool