West Ham boss David Moyes does not want his team to become too reliant on Declan Rice.
The 21-year-old midfielder, a reported target for London rivals Chelsea during the last transfer window, has taken his game to a new level this season.
Handed the captain's armband by Moyes in the absence of Mark Noble, Rice has been pivotal to the Hammers' impressive start to the campaign and he excelled once more in Sunday's 1-0 win at Sheffield United.
'He is such an improved player,' said Moyes.