Chelsea: Declan Rice must be the key defensive signing

Chelsea’s most important defensive signing must be Declan Rice to provide a key bolstering both in the midfield and on the back line.

Chelsea’s demolition at the feet of Bayern Munich was neither unexpected nor unpredictable. The 2019/20 squad, especially after the most recent injuries, is just not in the same class as Bayern. A two match demolition of 7-1 in the Champions League clearly signals the chasm that exists between now last season’s Chelsea and what is envisioned for 2020/21. Surrendering seven goals in two games is not going to get the job done. It is proof positive that defense must be seriously addressed in addition to other positions in this transfer window.

A good beginning has been forged toward rectifying the lack of offensive firepower with the additions of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, and hopefully shortly, Kai Havertz. These are top flight additions. If Havertz is added, Chelsea should be the equal of almost any side in Europe in the attack in 2020/21. It’s an exciting prospect for Chelsea fans and the Havertz deal needs to get over the line. But ignoring defense will be done at the team’s peril and the best initial move for Chelsea would be West Ham defender, Declan Rice.

Rice makes perfect sense on so many levels that whatever investment Chelsea has to make to secure his services is justifiable. No doubt, players will have to leave to help fund his and other infusions of talent. That is a foregone conclusion in any event. A major clear out is necessary at the club and has already begun with the departures of Pedro and Willian. More will follow.

Rice adds value to Chelsea on several levels. First, it is rumored that head coach Frank Lampard likes the player as a central defender. He certainly has many attributes to slot in there immediately, though he has been more of a defensive midfielder for West Ham. Rice has good, though not overwhelming, size to play central defense.  He’s about 6’1″ tall. That’s marginal, but he compliments his relative lack of height with several other dominating attributes.

Overall, Rice is a tough defender. He also has excellent tackling ability and he has the strength to run wing players and forwards off the ball easily. He also has the grit to make life miserable for strikers if he’s in the middle of the central defense. Chelsea has no intimidating force at that position at present. Rice can bring that dimension to the club without any doubt. He also has another key strength that Chelsea needs desperately. Leadership.

Rice is a leader. He has been pitched as the next West Ham captain when Mark Noble decides to hang up his cleats. That shouldn’t be allowed to happen, whatever the cost. Chelsea made a mistake when they cut ties with Rice some years ago. Now they should rectify the mistake by acquiring him at this critical juncture in their 21st century history.

Chelsea needs the type of leadership Rice can provide. It’s been largely missing since the departure of John Terry. Rice has the spine to slot in nicely as the legendary captain’s successor. The value of such a quality is incalculable. In addition, the young man can really play. He can play two positions that Chelsea needs to strengthen desperately at the moment.

In addition to his ability to fit in in central defense, Rice provides another commodity for Chelsea that will undoubtedly be of great value next season and beyond, his versatility. He can easily slot in as N’Golo Kante’s substitute in defensive midfield when Kante is unfit or needs a rest. Rice will be a seamless addition. In addition to Billy Gilmour when he returns from his surgery, Chelsea will have solid depth with him, Kante, and Rice at this key position which has been devastated by injury in 2019/20.

Thinking both short and long term, Declan Rice could potentially be the most impactful transfer this window, certainly so in defense, if Chelsea can move this across the line in the 2020 summer transfer window. Chelsea Football Club needs to add this dynamic, versatile, and tough leader in defense to their squad for 2020/21 whatever it takes. The financial burden may be heavy in the short term, but the gain will be multifarious in the long. There are moves a club just must make. Securing Declan Rice is one of them for the Chelsea Football Club. They will never ever regret it.