According to Matthew Upson believes Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice ‘ticks the boxes’ to be a potential long-term replacement for John Terry.
However, there are some questions at the back, And one name that has been linked with a big move to Chelsea is that of Rice, who has become one of the most talked about players in the Premier League since he moved from the back-line into Midfield.
Now, amid all the speculation, Upson believes Rice ‘ticks the boxes’ to be a potential long-term replacement for John Terry
Speaking to the Athletic about the 21-year-old’s potential, the former England and West Ham star said: ‘I know Declan very well, it is why he has done so well and established himself at West Ham so quickly. He has that personality you need.
‘The characteristics we talk about regarding John Terry — his instincts, communication, leadership — that is Declan Rice. He ticks the boxes. ‘I worked a lot with Declan when I was with West Ham Under-23s. He is a fantastic communicator, he is very mature for his age, has leadership mentality and personality.
‘The issue is: he hasn’t played a lot at centre-back in the Premier League. He has shown how good a defensive midfielder he is, he is one of the best around at the moment and potentially will be the best.
‘But I worked with him when he was playing as a centre-back. He is capable of playing in that position. It is difficult to know what impact he’d make at Chelsea because it depends on so many things — who does he play with?
‘Would the team be strong enough when he first goes back to playing at centre-half as a young player still? He is just 21. But he is an absolutely brilliant lad.’