Thread by @ExtratimeA, Pls like, retweet & follow. Chelsea has been linked with Declan Rice [...]

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Chelsea has been linked with Declan Rice from start of the transfer window. As per several reports, Lampard is said to be a huge fan of the Hammers’ captain. In this thread, we’ll be comparing Declan Rice with the midfielders in the Chelsea squad. (1)

We’ll be comparing players who have played at least 1000 mins in the Premier League last season All the data is from the Premier League only. With Barkley out on loan and Mount playing in different roles throughout the season that leaves with Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic. (2)

Kovacic:
Kovacic played a total of 2073 mins in 31 matches (23 starts) scoring 1 goal and 3 assists. Completing 72.4 passes from 80.2 attempted passes giving a pass completion rate of 90.2 per 90 mins. Kovacic made 29 key passes and 176 passes in the opposition’s final third.(3)

Kovacic’s shot creation action per 90 mins was 2.78(highest of the 3 players). Kovacic’s weak defensive contributions are evident by the total 12 interceptions in the season and winning 2.39 tackles while attempting 3.48 tackles per 90 mins. (4)

Kovacic recovered 244 balls, his weakest stat being his Aerial duels win percentage - 29.6. It should be noted that Kovacic is great at beating the opposition’s press with his dribbling and ball-carrying ability. (5) Next up Kante.

Kante played a total of 1732 mins in 22 matches (20 starts) scoring 3 goals. Kante completed 50.8 passes from 59.4 attempted passes giving a pass completion rate of 85.5 per 90 mins. Kante made 26 key passes and 105 passes in the opposition’s final third during last season. (6)

Kante’s shot creation action per 90 mins was 2.65.
Kante’s defensive contributions can be seen by the total 28 interceptions in the season. Kante also made 2.24 successful tackles out of attempted 3.02 tackles per 90 mins. He also recovered ball 282 for the blues. (7)

Kante’s aerial dual win percentage is 33.3. Kante has looked more like his older self since the restart in May. Kante has given solid performances this season. He can play his best football with orthodox DM like Rice. Like he did with Matic. (8)

Jorginho -
Jorginho played a total of 2379 mins in 31 matches (27 starts) scoring 4 goals(3 penalties) and 2 assists. He completed 74.1 passes from 84.1 attempted passes giving a pass completion rate of 88 per 90 mins. (9)

Jorginho made 23 key passes and 238 passes into the opposition’s final third. Jorginho’s shot creation action per 90 mins is 2.46. Jorginho’s defensive contributions are the total 42 interceptions in the season and winning 1.67 tackles attempting 2.61 tackles per 90 mins. (10)

Jorginho recovered 401 balls throughout the season and has aerial duels win rate of 26%. Although Jorginho makes up for his physical attributes(speed, heading ability) by his positioning and ability to control the game. (11)
Last and the main player of the thread.
Declan Rice

Rice played a total of 3420 mins in 38 matches scoring 1 goal and 3 assists. Rice completed 38.2 passes from 45.2 attempted passes giving a pass completion rate of 86 per 90 mins. Rice made 22 key passes and 158 passes in the opposition’s final third. (12)

Rice’s shot creation action per 90 mins is 1.18. Rice’s passing attributes are lower than all the above mentioned Chelsea players but we have to keep in mind that he played in a lone DM role mostly.Rice’s defensive contributions are the total 50 interceptions in the season. (13)

He won 2 tackles while attempting 3.33 tackles per 90 mins. Rice recovered 450 balls throughout the season and has aerial duels win rate of 60.7. (highest of the 4 players)
In conclusion, Rice offers something different than the midfield trio of Chelsea. (14)

He is more physical and he can sit back and break up play in the midfield. He is a more traditional DM and has excellent leadership qualities. He can also play as a Centre back which adds to Chelsea’s list of versatile players.
(15)
Credits - http://soccerment.com , fbref

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