For all the talented talent lines that are now finally emerging through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, did they let a star in Declan Rice unknowingly pass through their fingers?
When asked if Chelsea made a mistake in releasing the midfielder as a 14-year-old, manager Frank Lampard was clearly in response: ‘[We] I wouldn’t say it’s remorse. ‘
But tonight, seven years after being relegated from the Blues’ youth system, the Hammers have a chance to prove Lampard’s linchpin wrong.
Declan Rice has a chance to impress Chelsea’s rivals for West Ham tonight
Blues boss Frank Lampard said the club would not regret letting Rice go as a youth team player
West Ham, who have made a strong start to the season under David Moyes, have a chance to leapfrog Chelsea with victory on Monday night – they are currently one point behind.
The idea of a surprising Hammers victory is not particularly far-fetched. Not when you consider that they did the double over Chelsea last season and the fact that Lampard ‘s side are coming into this game behind two consecutive hits.
But for Rice, the chance is more than just three points, amid rumors that £ 70m will return over the capital in January after the value of all summer rumors of a move to west London.
Since joining West Ham in 2017, Rice has grown into a reliable, athletic and influential midfielder.
Moreover, his reading of the game and his sexual ability to win his individual battles week-by-week has made people sit up and pay attention – especially FA bosses. , as they persuaded local Kingston to change national allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England two years ago.
Rice made his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side in March 2019 and has not looked back – he has already recorded 13 caps and scored his first goal for his country last month. . Now, it’s one of the first names on the teams page.
But being a starlight for a club outside the top six gives you a near-automatic selection for inclusion in gossip columns across the country. Just ask Jack Grealish – and he has been no different with Rice.
Rice has been an integral part of West Ham’s first team since making his teenage debut
Rice (R) are Mason Mount (L) ‘s best friends after the pair meet in Chelsea’ s youth system
Chelsea have always been at the front, with the romance returning to the club where it all started for Rice not to be missed on fans and the media alike.
Despite being released at 14, Rice forged a close relationship with Chelsea attacking midfielder Mason Mount and the pair regularly spend time together outside of their professional commitments.
That friendship has been well-publicized, especially since Mount appeared in the Blues first team under Lampard this season, which led to the England call a few months after Rice’s debut.
But beyond his relationship with Mount, there is one particular reason Chelsea continue to seek a possible deal: for the £ 230m Lampard spent in the summer, a player a high-quality waterproof midfielder still tops the shopping list.
Both Rice and Mount are now teammates for England – but could they soon become club teammates?
The Blues ’big summer spending was heavily focused on strengthening the offensive, with stars like Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech included among a huge crowd.
But a midfielder was not found. Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are still Lampard’s midfield options, but you notice a high-level sign going faster rather than later.
Rice fits the model, almost perfectly appropriate. Young, already proven in the Premier League and with bags of potential. He hardly has to move either.
Even Lampard himself acknowledged how good he was with Rice ‘s first few years at first team level, saying on Friday:’ He is a great player for West Ham and England.
‘It shows the strength of character … Declan deserves personal credit for his first start at West Ham.’
Rice have a good chance to prove their true worth against N’Golo Kante (right) tonight
West Ham doubled over Chelsea last season – Rice were in the side both times
High praise for a player who will be Chelsea’s mainstay at the Bridge, as they look back into ways to win.
But from a purely personal point of view, Rice could make a big cash transfer move back to Chelsea in the new year, if he grabs the game with a neck scratch.
Ultimately, any move, especially with West Ham ‘s asking price of £ 80m, will boil down to: is Rice better than Chelsea already has? Tonight, he has the most perfect lab to prove it.