West Ham captain Declan Rice says the recent criticism he has received from pundits including Roy Keane and Graeme Souness is "harsh".
West Ham are in a relegation fight in the Premier League, while there has been speculation over Rice's future.
Keane and Souness have both suggested the England international, 24, is lacking key midfield attributes - namely contributing goals and assists.
"It's one of those where you take it with a pinch of salt," Rice said.
Former Manchester United captain Keane said earlier in March that Rice "hasn't kicked on" and that he "needs to do a lot more".