According to a recent YouTube video by Copa90, as has been reported by the Daily Express, West Ham United defensive-midfielder Declan Rice has admitted that he would ‘love’ to play with England teammate Mason Mount at club level again, as the report suggests that Chelsea are interested in re-signing their former academy star. Mount and Rice have an exceptional relationship, having spent most of their childhoods together as members of the Cobham academy.
What Caused The Pair To Have Such Different Career Paths?
For starters, although they are both prodigious young midfielders on paper, it’s must be conceded that Mount and Rice are incredibly different kinds of players out on the pitch. The best way to describe them would be as the Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard of the current Premier League era, with Mount being the explosive and attack-minded figure of Lampard, while Rice would fill the well-rounded boots of the Liverpudlian.
The Chelsea man is essentially a number ten who likes to operate just in front of the main striker. Mount has a fantastic ability to collect the ball in the middle of the park and dribble past defenders like they’re not even there. The youngster has scored multiple key goals for Chelsea this season, and the partnership that he’s formed with Tammy Abraham up-front has yielded positive results for the Blues as well.
Declan Rice, on the other hand, is a much more balanced midfielder, who does his fair share of attacking but is primarily quite defensive-minded. Adept at cutting out any passing lanes as well as making timely blocks whenever required, the Englishman has even become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s national setup. While covering the defenders is his primary strength, take nothing away from his ability to hit the back of the net.
The difference between the two was probably that Mason Mount chose to be patient and wait for his opportunity at Chelsea, while Declan Rice was restless and went searching for regular first-team football. While that is the case, there is the question of whether Mount would’ve ever gotten his chance if it wasn’t for the unfortunate transfer ban last season. Irrespective of the scenario, there’s no denying that Mount would obviously be the happier of the two with the positions that the duo currently find themselves in.
Should Chelsea Move For Declan Rice In The Summer?
For all the quality that the youngster would add to any midfield line in the Premier League, Chelsea is probably the one club where he is surplus to requirements. Frank Lampard already has a massive selection dilemma to worry about in the central areas next season, with names like N’Golo Kante and Jorginho potentially facing periods sitting on the bench. With a plethora of varied midfield options at their disposal, Chelsea needn’t spend money in this area at this point, and would instead be better off investing in the attacking areas of the pitch.
