Chelsea could splash out again this summer to bring in talented midfielder Declan Rice, but manager Frank Lampard wants him to play in defence. The Blues’ boss is very keen to bring the 21-year-old West Ham United starlet to Stamford Bridge.
According to The Times and The Sun, the Chelsea head coach likes the way Rice has played when in defence for the Hammers this season.
REPORT: Frank Lampard Wants Declan Rice as a Defender For Chelsea
Set-Piece Frustration For Lampard
Chelsea have the fourth-worst record at defending set-pieces in the Premier League and have conceded the most goals of any club in the top seven.
These defensive concerns came to light in the Blues’ recent defeat at the hands of Rice’s current side West Ham.
Lampard’s side lost 3-2 at the London Stadium and struggled to defend corners. On two occasions, the Hammers scored from corners with one being narrowly ruled out by VAR. Chelsea’s defence lacked leadership and was made to look incompetent at times against a relegation-battling West Ham side.
Rice Could Become the New John Terry
The Chelsea head coach sights Rice as the successor to John Terry, who commanded the backline throughout Lampard’s career.
He said: “I really don’t like to talk about my own playing days but we didn’t work much at all on set pieces and there were a few reasons, mainly John Terry, Gary Cahill, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and [Branislav] Ivanovic. You’d stick it in an area and they would defend it or score goals.
“With Liverpool, I remember a lot of talk about them and set pieces a few seasons ago. They were zonal [marking] and conceding a lot. They signed Virgil van Dijk and he heads out everything.”
The Boyhood Blues Fan
Rice played in the youth academy at Chelsea when he was younger and remains close friends with his then-teammate Mason Mount. He left Cobham aged 14, after being released.
The boyhood Blues fan is wanted by Lampard to strengthen the defensive frailties that have been apparent at times this season.
Having played for multiple Republic of Ireland youth sides, Rice pledged his future to England last year. He has since played seven times for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Champions League Spot The Key
Chelsea, who currently sit fourth, two points ahead of Manchester United will be keen to earn a place in Europe.
A Champions League spot could be crucial for Lampard to make additional signings such as Declan Rice.
Chelsea have already spent £78 million this summer on both Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner.
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