Declan Rice can become Chelsea’s new John Terry.. Lampard must go all out for transfer for West Ham star
HE’S changed the minds of many, and Chelsea MUST pursue a Declan Rice swap deal
When I say that West Ham star Rice has changed the minds of many, I tend to include myself here.
Although I have maintained that Rice is a top player, I have always pushed the agenda that Chelsea didn’t need to sign him because they have Ethan Ampadu.
Now though, for two reasons, I am firmly in the ‘Rice in’ camp.
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First of all, Ampadu has hardly played this season.
The 19-year old has been on loan at RB Leipzig, and things haven’t gone to plan. He has mainly been on the bench and struggled with injuries.
So Ampadu certainly isn’t ready-made just yet and will need another year or two on loan.
Secondly, when Chelsea were first linked with signing Rice it was as a defensive midfielder.
Now he is being talked about as a centre back option for Chelsea.
This I am all for. Ampadu has been used as a centre back for Leipzig, but as a defensive midfielder for Wales – and it is this latter position where I see him progressing in the future.
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So Rice coming in as a centre back would not affect Ampadu at all. Rice at 6ft 1in tall, is also that little bit taller than Ampadu, who stands at 5ft 10in.
Chelsea need that taller stature at the back, and this is also why I am not for re-signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, who is also linked.
So those are the main reasons for my Rice U-turn. But having really gone into deep thoughts about it, Rice to Chelsea as a centre back makes perfect sense, especially if Chelsea add Ross Barkley into the equation in some sort of swap deal making Rice much less expensive.
Barkley is not going to make it at Chelsea in my opinion, and David Moyes reportedly wants a reunion with him at West Ham.
So this could be a best of both worlds deal that could suit all parties.
Chelsea’s defence has been awful this season and leaking goals, Rice would go a long way in helping tighten that up.
He brings everything to Chelsea’s backline that none of the current centre back options have – composure, leadership, he reads the game well, good in the air, and he is technically sound on the ball.
Not one of Chelsea’s defenders can boast all of those qualities to a good enough standard, as they have proven time and time again this season.
Rice captained West Ham to victory over Chelsea in mid-week, once again showing exactly what he can bring to the table.
Yes he was playing as a holding midfielder, but this versatility only brings Chelsea even more options in the future.
With Rice only being 21-years old, his leadership and organisational skills will only grow as he establishes himself.
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But the England international already plays with the maturity and influence needed to be a great captain and leader.
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We should always tread carefully when we compare players with Chelsea legend John Terry, but Rice has the ability and playing style to become the clubs next JT in my opinion.