The Noble of old always snapping at heels putting tackles and interceptions in and in a lot games was able to dictate the pace of the game especially playing against teams that were around West Ham. Looking at him now he's a shadow of the player he does try and close down but by the time he gets their the ball had already gone. It's not nice looking at one of your heroes starting to get that way you never want to see it ending like that. Take Zaba at City for example towards the end his legs had gone, Shit wingers were able to go last him and you knew that simply wouldn't happen Zaba in his prime.
Credit to Rice though playing in midfield with two lads that really struggle to get around and get in people's faces shows what a good job he's doing, I think Rice is a hell of a lot better too when Lingard plays.