‘Everything Declan Rice can do’: Jermain Jenas makes claim about £135m reported Chelsea target

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Jermaine Jenas believes Chelsea target Jude Bellingham has the capability to perform Declan Rice’s role in the England team.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE YouTube channel, Jenas backed the Borussia Dortmund midfielder to match what Rice provides for his club and country.

Bellingham and the West Ham United captain are similar in many ways.

They are two of Britain’s brightest and best players, playing for teams arguably below the standard of their talents.

Both have admirers from Europe’s heavyweights, attention that will only increase during and after the World Cup, a tournament they are set to feature in heavily.

Jenas trusts Jude

For fans of the pair, they will be keeping their fingers crossed for Gareth Southgate to start them together, rather than one or the other.

Unfortunately for the Bellingham-Rice enthusiasts, Southgate might be about to let them down.

England’s manager has reportedly told his squad that the 3-4-3 formation used at previous competitions will be the preferred choice for Qatar.

In this case, the midfield pair will probably consist of Rice and one other.

Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Philips would be the safe pick.

Yet, Jenas saw no reason for the Three Lions coach not to trust Bellingham in the number six position.

“In midfield, everything Declan Rice can do Jude Bellingham can do. I think he can sit in and do what he’s got to do, and I think he can get forward. He’s the ultimate box-to-box midfielder,” said the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

How does Bellingham compare to Rice?

Bellingham is best known for being polished in possession rather than his defensive duties.

However, the statistics suggest this side of his game should not be overlooked.

According to WhoScored.com, the 19-year-old has made more tackles per-match (3.2) than any Dortmund player in the Bundesliga this season.

In comparison, Rice has made 2.4 tackles per Premier League fixture.

Maybe Jenas is right: Bellingham really is the perfect package.

So, it’s therefore no surprise that Chelsea reportedly want to take the teenager from his German home.

Todd Boehly is apparently willing to spend the £135m necessary to persuade BVB to relinquish their standout performer.

Boehly may need to battle off Bellingham’s other suitors, using his financial resources as a battering ram.