Manchester City interested to bid for West Ham United star Declan Rice
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Declan Rice
With the pre-transfer season period generating loads of excitement, clubs are aiming to bid for some of the finest upcoming talents. The recent transfer link-up of West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice to Manchester City is currently making rounds. The Cityzens are interested in signing the youngster in place of Fernandinho whose contract expires in the next season. Fernandinho produced a class performance against Paris St Germain in the semi-finals of the Champions League this season.
Rice normally plays as a defensive midfielder but his pressing game could give manager Pep Guardiola more attacking options in the midfield. The 22-year-old can also be employed as a centre back for his solidity and tough anticipation at the backline. Guardiola mainly employs a 4-3-3 formation and it might help Rice to be more competent with his passing and it will provide a right balance in the midfield. Rice’s combination with midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan would form the core in the midfield as De Bruyne is disciplined offensively as well as defensively and has showcased his class with his ability to set up goals with his proficient technique.
On the other hand, Gundogan is offensive while moving forward and his on-field communication with Rice will be crucial at the centre as well as at the wings. Rice’s teamwork with young star Phil Foden would be crucial in the midfield as Foden is also known for his pressing game and has the tendency to move deep with his electric runs to create opportunities with his skilful technique and dribbling speed. Rice’s partnership with right-winger Riyad Mahrez, left-winger Raheem Sterling and centre forward Gabriel Jesus would be crucial as all three strikers can set the pace early with their speed and quick counter-attacks. It will be interesting to see what combination Guardiola and the team management opt for in the forward line as well as the midfield if Rice is used more as an attacking source. Rice has scored 1 goal in 29 appearances in the Premier League this season with 1 assist to his name.
Declan Rice has been an assured presence in midfield for his sides
Rice has showcased brilliant control with his possession and can adjust his pace and distribution as per the opposition’s game. Clubs like Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC had shown interest in the West Ham United FC player but the Etihad outfit is confident of making a breakthrough. The 22-year-old will surely be a suitable option in the midfield for his all-round skills and his tactical awareness to create opportunities during open play. Playing under Guardiola could bring the best out of him and help him to adapt as per situations. Playing under Guardiola could make Rice tactically, technically as well as temperamentally inept with his out of the box thinking.
The midfielder has a bright future ahead of him if he signs the deal but needs to be competitive and consistent given the competition in the squad. The Hammers have got a chance to qualify in the next Champions League season as they are 5th in the points table with 58 points and Rice has been a huge contributing factor in the entire campaign. Rice has showcased solid tenacity defensively and has been outstanding with his marking abilities to thwart the opposition’s attacking moves.
Rice has showcased brilliant control while winning the ball with his sliding tackles and timely clearances. Guardiola and the team management needs to give him enough game time if the youngster goes ahead with the deal as Rice possesses diverse playmaking skills which would enhance his as well as the team’s quality. The club bosses, manager Guardiola as well as the team management will be eager to get him on board at the earliest.
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Devang Rajanikant Joshi
(143 Articles Published)