Jude Bellingham has told the Daily Mail that he believes Declan Rice and himself complement each other well as a midfield pairing.
The duo are both strongly linked with a big-name move to Chelsea next summer.
First though, the two England internationals will be preparing for this winter’s World Cup, which kicks off in less than a month’s time.
All the signs suggest both Rice and Bellingham will start for Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions get their campaign underway against Iran.
The Borussia Dortmund teenager has claimed that he enjoys playing with the 23-year-old, as they look to strike up the perfect relationship this winter.
Bellingham praises Rice
He said: “Declan Rice is someone I admire a lot. He’s a top, top player. He is really good at what he does — he masters his craft, the type of midfielder he is, he’s one of the very best.
“He [Rice] allows me to do the things that I want to do with the ball, going forward, trying to get in and around the box, he gives you protection, so I think we complement each other very well.”
Both will surely be on the move next summer too, with their ceilings far higher than their current sides. However, neither are going to be cheap to sign.
Todd Boehly has reportedly been working hard behind the scenes to help Chelsea catch up in the race to sign Bellingham, with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid seen as the favourites to complete the deal.
However, they have always been reported to be the most likely destination for Rice to go to when he eventually leaves West Ham United.
After spending his youth with the Blues and remaining close friends with a lot of first team players at Stamford Bridge, it is hard to imagine his next club being someone other than Chelsea.