That’s according to former Hammers hero Leroy Rosenior who reckons the youngster is the real deal.
Rice has been linked with the Premier League’s elite in recent months.
But Rosenior says he must focus on developing his skills in east London.
He told Love Sport Radio: “I think he will eventually play at that level but he knows he’s 20 years old.
“I’ll give you an example who played at the same level and went to Man City like Jack Rodwell.
“He was playing for England and went to Man City – didn’t get a kick. He’s grown up and he now finds himself at Sunderland, I’m not sure where he is playing in the lower leagues.
“That time will come, when a big club comes through and he’s eager to play.
“He’s at a club that want to operate at this moment in time to stay outside that top six and not to get into that top six.
“It’s a perfect platform for him. He’s comfortable, he’s happy, he’s normally playing week in and week out, and he’s playing absolutely lovely.
“He doesn’t need to go to Man City and be a squad player, he needs to play if he wants to do well.
“I think he understands that, I hope he’s getting that sort of promise because he needs to stay at West Ham for at least a couple of seasons to become the player he can be.”
Rice can be deployed in defence and midfield.
Rosenior, however, reckons his best position is in a central defensive role.
He added: “I think he can be anything he wants. He’s gone into midfield now, and because he’s a good player he’s done really well.
“I think because he’s such a good footballer and understands the game, I think he’s gone in there and done a very good job.
“I do think he’ll be even better at centre-half.
“I think he’ll be able to enhance others from the centre-half position, but no matter where he plays he’ll do a fantastic job.
“He’s that good a player, he understands the game.
“He plays it simple but his forward passing, when he wins the ball the first pass he finds triggers a counter-attack for West Ham.
“It’s not sideways, it’s not backwards.
“It might only be a two-yard pass but he uses it and closes it and makes other players look better.
“It’s his birthday today, he’s 20 today.
“He’s still a very young man and he’s got so much growth in terms of getting better.
“But at this moment he’s a very good player and I think he’s going to be an outstanding player for West Ham and England.”