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DECLAN RICE - INITIALLY HE WAS ACTUALLY A CB
Only 2 seasons ago (17/18) Rice played an entire season as a CB. Matter of fact he was a CB who transitioned into a DM (not the other way around). Us fans we tend to forget that in 17/18 he had a masterclass against us as a CB...
1/9
Only 2 seasons ago (17/18) Rice played an entire season as a CB. Matter of fact he was a CB who transitioned into a DM (not the other way around). Us fans we tend to forget that in 17/18 he had a masterclass against us as a CB...
1/9
Recovery & Slide Tackling:
An enterprising run from Morata but Declan stays calm in recovery. As Morata seemingly finds a way through the defense, Rice makes a precise timely tackle.
2/9
An enterprising run from Morata but Declan stays calm in recovery. As Morata seemingly finds a way through the defense, Rice makes a precise timely tackle.
2/9
Staying with the man:
Once again Morata thought he could outpace Rice and to the byline. Rice had none of that. Stayed with his man, matched his pace, did not rush in, and eventually wins the duel.
3/9
Once again Morata thought he could outpace Rice and to the byline. Rice had none of that. Stayed with his man, matched his pace, did not rush in, and eventually wins the duel.
3/9
Positioning:
Cesc as the magician he is was conducting play from deep. Rice stayed alert to almost every cheeky long-range pass. Brilliant positioning to negate Cesc's arrow-like passes just behind the defense.
4/9
Cesc as the magician he is was conducting play from deep. Rice stayed alert to almost every cheeky long-range pass. Brilliant positioning to negate Cesc's arrow-like passes just behind the defense.
4/9
Positioning (yet another one):
And again Cesc tries a ball from midfield to find Morata and Declan had none of that. Mind you he was only 19 back then and already showed a great sense of being a CB.
5/9
And again Cesc tries a ball from midfield to find Morata and Declan had none of that. Mind you he was only 19 back then and already showed a great sense of being a CB.
5/9
Interception:
Declan knew exactly the play that was unfolding in front of him. He notices Willian's dangerous run and comes in with a clutch interception.
This is awareness from a young CB.
6/9
Declan knew exactly the play that was unfolding in front of him. He notices Willian's dangerous run and comes in with a clutch interception.
This is awareness from a young CB.
6/9
Positioning (for the 3rd time):
That's the season where Azpi was crossing in from deep and getting assists for fun. Declan Rice was not oblivious to this factor. He knew exactly what Azpi was trying to achieve and quickly took up a great position to destroy the cross.
7/9
That's the season where Azpi was crossing in from deep and getting assists for fun. Declan Rice was not oblivious to this factor. He knew exactly what Azpi was trying to achieve and quickly took up a great position to destroy the cross.
7/9
Tight Marking:
He is a no-nonsense defender. The kind PL thrives on. Great tight marking here suffocating Morata. He follows it up to win the second ball as well. You can tell he takes pride in defending.
8/9
He is a no-nonsense defender. The kind PL thrives on. Great tight marking here suffocating Morata. He follows it up to win the second ball as well. You can tell he takes pride in defending.
8/9
Supremely Alert:
Any loose ball in midfield he pounced on and negated the threat.
So moral of the story is guys that he has all the quality to be an excellent CB. It is what he was naturally. A great bonus is that he is a class DM as well now.
Win/Win for Chelsea!
9/9
Any loose ball in midfield he pounced on and negated the threat.
So moral of the story is guys that he has all the quality to be an excellent CB. It is what he was naturally. A great bonus is that he is a class DM as well now.
Win/Win for Chelsea!
9/9
