Nolan believes the 22-year-old could take his game to another level if he stays with the Hammers for more years.
Rice has been tipped to leave West Ham United this summer with a potential return to former club academy Chelsea on the cards or a move to the Etihad Stadium to play under the nearly-perfect team of Pep Guardiola.
Rice has always been on the wishlist of Chelsea but the speculation cooled off after the sacking of Frank Lampard as manager.
The interest has rekindled after it was reported that head coach Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the Englishman.
“This lad just has it all: athleticism, he can pass it, good at heading, defending, he can run,” Nolan, who is currently an assistant coach for West Ham, told The Athletic.
“He is absolutely top-notch and most of all he’s the most humble lad.
“I hope that he goes right to the top and I hope it will be here at West Ham.
“He’s taken us to new levels, certainly this season with his performances, and the quality we’ve been able to have around him.
“Hopefully he will be here for a couple more years to lead this team in the way he has this season.”
Rice played 35 matches in all competitions for David Moyes’ men in the 2020/2021 season, scored two goals and provided one assist.
