Declan Rice has been studying videos of legendary midfielders Patrick Vieira and Yaya Toure in order to take his game to the next level.
The West Ham and England star, 22, wants to move beyond the perception he is just a shield for the defence and become more of a box-to-box midfielder.
His excellent form continued as the Hammers beat Leeds United 2-0 on Monday night to keep themselves on the fringes of the Champions League places.
Rice told Sky Sports: 'I think a lot of people see me as a simple, basic player who gets it, gives it and protects the back four.