Arsenal star Declan Rice has heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo ahead of the Premier League derby at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Gunners picked up a convincing 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night. Rice was named the man of the match.
Speaking after the game, he was asked by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher about the ongoing comparisons between him and Caicedo.
In response, Rice said that he has a lot of respect for Caicedo and had him in his PFA Team of the Year.
He added that the Ecuadorian was ‘outstanding’ last term and has done ‘incredibly well’ this season.
Rice said on CBS Sports Golazo: “I have a lot of respect for Moises. I have played against him since the Brighton days.
“I had him in my PFA TOTY last year. I thought he was outstanding. He has started this year incredibly well.”
Rice concluded by stating that Caicedo is a ‘full-blown six’, while he is operating as a box-to-box number eight for the Gunners.
He added: “There is a lot of comparisons but we are playing different positions, he’s a full blown six while I am more of a box to box number eight.
“Sunday is going to be an interesting game but the most important thing is I have a lot of respect for him as a player.”
Rice has had a fantastic season as a permanent number eight at Arsenal. Martin Zubimendi has been superb as the holding midfielder behind him.
The Englishman has made eight goal contributions from 19 matches so far this campaign, but has also excelled with other key attributes for the club.
He averages 53 passes per league game with an accuracy of 90 percent. Rice has also won 57 percent of his duels with four recoveries and two tackles per appearance.
In comparison, Caicedo has solely operated as a defensive midfielder, but he has still chipped in with four goals and one assist from 17 games for Enzo Maresca’s side.
He has similar statistics in terms of passing and duels won (91 percent & 57 percent), but the 24-year-old has made more tackles and interceptions, playing in a deeper role.
Rice and Caicedo may be playing in different midfield positions, but they should contest plenty of duels in Sunday’s much-awaited London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Rice and Zubimendi will come up against Caicedo and Fernandez. The midfield battle could have a huge say on which side dominates proceedings and comes on top.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com