Arsenal face off against Chelsea in today’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners saw their lead at the top of the table reduced to four points after Manchester City’s late 3-2 win over Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium.
They have the opportunity to increase the gap with their game in hand, but won’t face an easy challenge against an in-form Chelsea outfit on the road.
Ahead of the London derby, Blues midfielder Moises Caicedo has spoken fondly about Declan Rice.
Rice recently said that Caicedo was ‘outstanding‘ for Enzo Maresca’s side during the 2024/25 season, and he chose him in his PFA Team of the Year.
Caicedo returned the compliment during an exclusive interview with Daily Mail.
The Ecuadorian said that everybody knows how good Rice is.
The Blues star added that he is ‘so happy’ he is doing really well and enjoys ‘watching him play’.
He said: “Declan, everybody knows how good he is. It will be a great battle, me and him. It’s very nice, very special and, like he said, we play in different positions.
“People compare him and myself, but I’m so happy he’s doing really well. I enjoy watching him play because he’s so good.
“I want to play against the best defensive and attacking midfielders in the world, and he’s one of them.
“It’s nice that people compare us, but we are not fighting. He wants to do well. I’m going to fight. I’m ready. Everybody is ready. I’m looking forward to it.”
Rice has had a fabulous season for the Gunners. He has managed eight goal contributions from 19 appearances and has also excelled in other attributes.
The Englishman has completed 53 passes per league game with a 90 percent success rate. Rice has won 57 percent of his duels alongside four recoveries and two tackles per game.
Rice has been excellent in the number eight position. He has the freedom to press forward with Martin Zubimendi, providing defensive assurance in the number six role.
Caicedo, on the other hand, has featured as a holding midfielder for the Blues. He has still contributed four goals and one assist in 17 appearances this campaign.
Like Rice, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man has identical passing and duel-winning statistics (91 percent & 57 percent), but has made more tackles and interceptions due to his position.
The duo may be playing in different roles for their respective clubs, but should engage in plenty of duels in west London today. Rice will be eager to make his mark and guide Arsenal to another win.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com