Whenever Chelsea and West Ham United meet in the Premier League, the end result is almost always thrilling.
The two London rivals have played out some fierce battles over the years and Saturday's meeting between the two sides will be the latest edition in the series. There are numerous talking points going into the game at the London Stadium, but perhaps none bigger than the midfield battle between Declan Rice and Enzo Fernandez.
Two of the best in their position in world football at the moment, but two totally different players. Despite occupying similar positions when on the pitch, Rice is a lot more defensively-focused than the £106million Fernandez, whose defending from the front is more impressive.
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This season – in the Premier League for Rice and in the Liga Portugal for Fernandez (as he has only played once for Chelsea) – Rice has won possession 23 times in the defensive third, while Fernandez has 18 tackles or interceptions to his name in the same area.
It's a similar story in the midfield third. Rice has won the ball back 25 times in comparison to Fernandez's 22. However, in the attacking third, it's a much different story.
Fernandez, while at Benfica, won the ball back for his team six times in the attacking third, but Rice has just one to his name. This shows how far up the pitch Fernandez presses in comparison to Rice. It of course also demonstrates the difference in styles between Benfica and West Ham.
As well as this – in their respective domestic leagues – Fernandez dominates when it comes to touches in attacking areas. The new Chelsea midfielder had 375 touches in the attacking third for Benfica, while Rice has only had the ball 249 times for West Ham this term.
So it comes as no surprise that Fernandez has produced six assists this season with Rice recording just one. Both, however, have scored the same amount of goals (one each).
Fernandez's Chelsea debut
Enzo made his Chelsea debut on Friday evening as his new side were held to a goalless draw with west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old received an outstanding ovation from his new adoring supporters and he put on a show for them to remember.
The Argentine won 100 per cent of aerial duels contested, attempted 74 passes, won possession 10 times, made eight passes into the final third, made six tackles, cleared the ball three times, won two fouls, created one chance and had one shot. It was a glimpse of what Fernandez can do and Saturday's clash against West Ham – just to see him play again – cannot come quickly enough for Chelsea supporters.
Chelsea's Rice interest
The January transfer window was a manic one for Chelsea. Eight signings were made, but a move that was never even attempted was one for Rice.
It was largely accepted at Stamford Bridge that West Ham would not entertain selling their captain last month. However, when the summer comes around, with Rice set to have 12 months remaining on his contract, he is expected to move on from the London Stadium.
Rice is reluctant to sign a new contract with the Hammers, despite the club's best attempts. football.london understands Rice has been on Chelsea's radar for some time now and the Blues are expected to make a move for the 24-year-old at the end of the season.
Arsenal, however, are also massively interested in Rice. It's understood the Gunners have recently emerged as the frontrunners for the England international's signature. Rice is expected to cost any suitors in the region of £100m.
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