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2nd June 2018
11:39pm BST

"I thought he was exceptional. He played with great maturity," the Ireland manager continued, before praising Rice's role in the build-up to Ireland's winning goal.The West Ham United youngster fizzed a pass into James McClean on the edge of the US penalty area. The winger then beat a USA defender before Judge smashed the ball into the net. The Ireland manager went on to call Rice's display "outstanding" and "brave", and he dubbed him a "proper talent."
Rice was comfortably Ireland's best player on the night. He has been used in central defence for West Ham but looks at home in midfield for O'Neill's side. The London-native was excellent in both phases of play, snapping into tackles, winning the ball and then driving forward. As the game went on, Rice's passing improved and he never stopped showing for the ball and seeking a pass from his teammates.
His sharp pass into McClean before the winning goal was correctly praised by O'Neill. Irish players in that position would be expected to whip a cross into the penalty area, to get the ball into the box and try to snatch a goal with the clock ticking down. But Rice stayed calm and made the right decision, which was a feature of his performance.
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Rice is still eligible for England, and until he is capped in a competitive fixture for Ireland, Irish fans will worry about his international future.
But, if he continues with Ireland, Rice could have a huge role to play for the national team over the next few years.
On just his third appearance, the 19-year-old has arguably cemented his place in the starting team for the Uefa Nations League fixtures against Wales and Denmark in the autumn.Explore more on these topics: