Can Rice outwit Fernandez in defining duel?

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 23.

Declan Rice (WHU)

David Moyes recently claimed that Rice would command a British record transfer fee if he ever left West Ham United.

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Time will tell if that scenario plays out, as Rice approaches what should be the peak years of his career.

The 24-year-old's all-round play continues to improve and last time out, in a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United, he produced a dominant performance in midfield.

In that match, Rice exuded control in and out of possession. Making 12 ball recoveries, three interceptions and winning two tackles, he was influential at stopping Newcastle attacks.

Rice's performance v Newcastle

Indeed no West Ham player bettered his 30 passes inside the opposition half, nor his 14 into the final third.

This Saturday at London Stadium, Rice will come face-to-face with Enzo Fernandez, signed by Chelsea on Deadline Day for what is reported to be a Premier League transfer record. It promises to be an exciting duel.

Repelling danger

It is hard to find another top-flight midfielder who breaks up play better than Rice.

Playing on the left of a midfield pairing as part of a double pivot, his defensive work is a mixture of pressing inside the central third and repelling danger on the edge of his own box.

Leading ball winners 2022/23

Rice is enjoying another fine campaign.

To get quality service into their forwards this weekend, Chelsea will need to perform well to bypass the West Ham captain, who drops in to the defensive third to good effect.

In fact, no other Premier League midfielder has won the ball back more often in that area than the 75 times that Rice has managed.

Attacking influence 

Rice has gained confidence in his ability to influence matches from an attacking perspective too.

This season he has averaged 16 ball carries per 90 minutes, the same as team-mate Said Benrahma.

Eleven of those carries have ended with a goalscoring chance.

When he attempts these runs against Chelsea, Fernandez will look to engage Rice and slow him down.

Most West Ham ball carries per 90 

Rice looks to go forward as often as possible. Whether it is a switch of play, or a searching ball into one of the channels for a forward to chase, he uses his passing range well.

Ruben Neves and Rodri are the only two players to make more successful long passes from midfield.

Most successful long passes

Playing for a West Ham side who average only 44 per cent of possession, it is impressive that Rice also ranks third for the most successful passes made inside the opponent’s half.

The only two central midfield players to have produced a greater number of successful passes into the final third than the 304 of Rice are Rodri (415) and Granit Xhaka (312).

If Rice can maintain his recent influence, derby honours may very well go to West Ham.

Also in this series

Part 1: What's behind Haaland's drop in goals?