West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini spoke to reporters today, and hinted that he might use Declan Rice in central defence against Chelsea on Saturday, as quoted by Football.London.
The 20-year-old, who earns £40,000 per week according to the Times, actually began his career as a centre-back, but was deployed in the holding midfield role by Manuel Pellegrini when he first took charge of the Hammers in the summer of 2018.
Rice has been one of West Ham’s most consistent performers over the past 18 months. And Hammers fans would most probably prefer the England international to partner Angelo Ogbonna on Saturday, rather than Fabian Balbuena.
The east London outfit desperately need a result against Chelsea on Saturday. They currently sit in 17th spot in the Premier League table, just three points clear of the drop zone.
And Pellegrini hinted to reporters today that he is tempted to play Rice in the heart of defence against the Blues, as quoted by Football.London:
“Last game he (Rice) had to play in that role because Issa was on a yellow card. We will see which is the best option for the team.”
Rice is a solid defender, and he will have no problems filling in at the back.
Whatever team Pellegrini, selects, however, will likely be right up against it on Saturday.
A defeat would pile even more pressure on the Chilean’s shoulders. He’s a dead man walking at the moment. And the West Ham players need to stand up and be counted at Stamford Bridge on Saturday if Pellegrini is to last much longer in charge.
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