At the end of November, Stamford Bridge promises to be the focus of English football when Chelsea host Arsenal. However, in addition to the point difference, that match is also a special confrontation between Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice - an unofficial battle to find the best midfielder in the Premier League at the moment.
Currently, they are playing a slightly different role as Rice is often used as a number 8 to the left with the ability to support more attacks, while Caicedo is more inclined to the role of pure number 6 intercept, regulate and protect the second line.
Their transfer fees have all exceeded the £100 million mark, so a comparison is inevitable. Rice joined Arsenal for £105 million, while Caicedo joined Chelsea for £115 million. Both are proving that huge investment is completely worth it.
Moises Caicedo is Enzo Maresca's " engine"
In the 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend, Caicedo played a typical match. Spurs have only created 0.05 expected goals (xG) a record low in the Premier League, largely due to Caicedos determination and ability to read situations.
It is no surprise that Caicedo received the title of "Best Player of the Match". Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez frankly shared: He is the best defensive midfielder on the planet. A realmonster. Every 50-50, every collision, Caicedo wins."
Statistics also support Caicedo. If we look at players who have played 900 minutes or more in the Premier League since the start of last season, Caicedo's "True tackles" ratio (real tackles, including a combination of winning tackles, failed tackles and fouls while trying to block) is 9.4/1,000 against the opponent, ranking 11th in the tournament. Meanwhile, Rice is down to 5.3 - 59th.
Caicedo's winning bid also reached 61% (ranked 14th), while Rice ranked 17th with 60%. In addition, Caicedo's "True Interceptions" (cutting and blocking passes) are 4.6/1,000 touches from the opponent, ranking 4th in the tournament; while Rice is 2.4 - ranked 59th.
These are telling numbers as they have proven that Caicedo is a comprehensive "sweeping machine", covering the pitch and creating an impact at every hot spot. His strength, speed, ability to turn and endure help him appear everywhere.
Rice is Arsenal's midfield leader
On the other side of the front line, Rice impressed in a different way with her comprehensiveness. In the recent win over Burnley, he dominated all of Arsenal's key metrics, including the most touches (94) and most passes into the box, the most crosses, the most wins and the top spot in the lead.
Rice has scored two goals and provided four assists this season one more than Caicedo in just one goal/A. This is an interesting statistic as fans often think Rice has a superior attacking influence.
The English star is a true upgrade in Mikel Arteta's midfield control strategy with increasingly strong, intelligent, mature and accurate handling.
Who is better?
Caicedo and Rice possess different qualities, serving different roles in their team structure. Caicedo is truly a modern sweeping machine with the ability to cover the pitch, read situations quickly, overcome most challenges and always ensure a solid shield in front of the defense. He brings a feeling of a nearly perfect defensive midfielder, a player who always makes opponents feel threatened because the space of activities is constantly crowded with people.
Meanwhile, Rice shows the charisma of a new generation midfield leader, a comprehensive box-to-box model that can regulate the game, pull the ball, press, change the state and contribute directly to the goal. He is like a modern version of a Patrick Vieira midfielder strong, intelligent and shining at key moments. In terms of influence, Rice did not stop at defense, he also had a great impact on the development of playing style and ability to create highlights in attack.
If Caicedo is a symbol of stability and relentless fighting power, Rice represents the power to control the midfield with maturity and tactical acumen. Both at the age of 24, they are just starting the most important chapter of their careers.
Perhaps instead of affirming who is number one, the more interesting thing right now is to wait for the next matches. The upcoming Stamford Bridge match may bring a clearer cut, but this debate will certainly last longer.
