Chelsea Target: Who is Declan Rice?
(Photo by Arfa Griffiths via Getty Images)  

What a fairytale summer window the Blues have had. The footballing world is currently enduring a global pandemic, but that hasn't affected Chelsea's intent to make a big statement.

Frank Lampard and the Chelsea board have gone all out in signing Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz and Malang Sarr.

However, Chelsea's not done yet. Should the Blues sign Edouard Mendy, the club will then go all out for West Ham's Declan Rice.

With the season starting this weekend, the Blues begin their campaign away to Brighton on Monday. The summer window is due to close in early October.

So with all this talk of bringing in the young midfielder to Stamford Bridge, who is Declan Rice?

  • Where it all began...

Born in Kingston upon Thames, Rice coincidentally started his youth career with Chelsea.

At the age of 14, Rice was released and was then signed by West Ham's academy.

After being on West Ham's youth set up for over a year, Rice earned himself a professional contract at 15. 

The youngster received his first senior call up in 2017 after impressing the club whilst playing for the under 23 team.

Rice made his debut, off the bench, in the final game of the 2016/17 season against Burnley. He made his full debut in August 2017 in a defeat to Southampton.

That season was such an impressive breakthrough campaign for young Declan. 

He was named as the runner-up for the 2017–18 Hammer of the Year award behind. 

Things only got better for Declan. In December 2018, Rice became the youngest teenager to make 50 appearances for the club since Michael Carrick.

  • A tactical insight into Declan Rice...

Declan is arguably one of the best defensive midfielders in the league and has established himself into a top prospect in recent times.

Naturally a born centre back, Rice has blossomed into a real talent in midfield. Rice is very intelligent when it comes to breaking up play.

He has a real footballer's brain when it comes to being the perfect defensive midfielder. He's always alert to the ball and is strong in a tackle, but only tackles when he feels as if he needs to commit.

Rice, when on the pitch, is very aware of his surroundings. He is always at the right place, at the right time and can spot danger in an instant. 

Operating in the heart of West Ham's midfield, Rice tends to partner up with captain Mark Noble.

His presence in the air is second to none and will almost certainly win an aerial duel. 

When in possession, Rice is sound on the ball. He is capable of linking the defence to the midfield but needs to be a bit more composed on the ball.

There is definitely still room to improve for Rice. He is not the finished article yet. However, should the Blues sign the youngster then what a coup it'd be. Rice has all the ingredients to become a top-class defensive midfielder in years to come. At 21, the future looks bright for Declan Rice.