Declan Rice 'could transfer to Chelsea' says pundit
West Ham and England star Declan Rice could be a better defender than midfielder, says Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. Rice, who has been linked moves to both Manchester United and Chelsea, could reportedly leave West Ham as the east London club are opening to a squad overhaul in the next transfer window. The 21-year-old has become a regular for the Hammers in the last three seasons and a key part of Gareth Southgate's England squad after opting to play for the Three Lions.
Rice has received some criticism this season, which Carragher says is just in some areas.
The Sky Sports pundit says the way Rice receives the ball may be more suited to playing in a back three, which both United and Chelsea have adopted at times this season, rather than in midfield.
However, Carragher says Rice is better when he has the ball than many people think and could make it as a midfielder long term.
"I think he's better on the ball than he's actually given credit for, Declan Rice. I think he can really pass," Carragher said on The Football Show.
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"But actually when he gets on the ball and he gets his head up and he's looking forward, I think the lad can pass and I think he's got something about him.
"I think at centre-back, yes, because he won't have those receiving-the-ball problems with his back to play, if you like.
"Everything will be in front of him and that was something why I don't think I was ever going to be a top-class midfield player, certainly at Liverpool, I probably wasn't quick enough with the ball or quick enough with my feet, certainly with teams now almost everyone plays three midfield players.
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Man Utd and Chelsea target Declan Rice has been a regular at West Ham of late (Image: GETTY)
"So a lot of the time there's six midfield players in the centre of the pitch, so that will be something going forward for Declan Rice.
"But in terms of actually stepping out with the ball, whether the teams he went to played a back three, I think he would be perfect in that type of system, and I think he can pass certainly when he's looking forward.
"But I'd have no qualms about him going into midfield but of course he has to improve in certain areas. But at his age every player has got to improve."