Declan Rice VS Caicedo. Who’s better? Check out their latest stats, which reveal that one is grossly overrated while the other is world-class.
Paul Merson has delivered a scathing assessment of Moises Caicedo’s performance, drawing parallels with Arsenal’s acquisition of Declan Rice. A year ago, Arsenal vigorously pursued Caicedo, presenting various proposals, but Brighton rejected their advances, and the midfielder remained with the club for the entire season.
In the subsequent summer, Arsenal shifted their attention to Declan Rice, breaking their transfer record to secure the Englishman’s signature. Rice has proven to be a valuable addition to the team, consistently delivering standout performances and showcasing continuous improvement.
In contrast, Caicedo made a high-profile move to Chelsea for a record-breaking sum, but according to Merson, he has failed to meet expectations, earning the label of a flop. Merson expressed his sentiments on Sports Keeda, comparing Caicedo to Rice:
“Caicedo was signed by Brighton for €4 million a few years ago; today he’s the most expensive player in Premier League history. You cannot improve that much in 2-3 years; it is impossible.
“When you watch Caicedo and compare him to Declan Rice, it’s like chalk and cheese! For that amount, you have to grab games by the scruff of the neck and make your presence known, and I don’t recall him doing that too often at Chelsea.”
Merson’s opinion, as featured on Just Arsenal, underscores Caicedo’s perceived shortcomings at Chelsea, while highlighting the positive impact Rice has had on Arsenal’s performance.
