3 EPL midfielders Chelsea may target this summer and how they fit in
By Aryan Singh
Declan Rice to Chelsea?
Linked with a move to Chelsea for the past couple of years now, the West Ham skipper is easily the ideal choice to address the midfield requirements at Stamford Bridge. Primarily deployed as a No.6, the 24 year old is a stalwart presence for both the Hammers and the England National side.
A tireless runner and tenacious worker, Rice functions best as an extra bit of security ahead of the backline, capable of breaking up opposition attacks and progressing the ball further up the pitch.
He also possesses a solid passing range, allowing him to spread play to either flank when required.
Rice pairs his defensive abilities with plenty of poise on the ball. The midfielder rarely gives up possession, and he’s extremely skilled at recycling and retaining the ball, especially in tight spaces.
Should Mauricio Pochettino take over the reins at Chelsea, Rice could be deployed as part of midfield pivot in the manager’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, likely alongside Enzo Fernandez.
The England International will fit in just as seamlessly in a midfield trio, that is if the Argentine decides to stick with the 3-5-2 previously used by Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel, and more recently, Frank Lampard.
Another point making the case for Rice are his well-known affiliations with the club.
As much as it pains me to embark on this cliched tangent; Declan Rice will indeed play for the badge. And yes, it’s because he gets it, he gets what it means to be Chelsea.