Carragher picks Rice over Caicedo as EPL best midfielder

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has refuted Gary Neville’s claim that Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo is the Premier League’s best midfielder, insisting Arsenal’s Declan Rice currently holds that title.

Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, had described Caicedo as “the best midfield player in the league at this moment in time.”

Carragher: Rice edges Caicedo in all-round quality

Carragher, however, countered his former England teammate’s opinion, stating that Rice offers more balance and technical ability in midfield.

“Caicedo is very close, but he wouldn’t be the best for me,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “If you are talking all-round midfielder, Declan Rice would just pip Caicedo for me – I think he’s got a little bit of extra quality with the ball.”

Stats reflect close competition

Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 for £105 million, has registered three assists and one goal in the Gunners’ seven Premier League games this season.

Caicedo, signed by Chelsea for £115 million from Brighton, has been equally impressive with three goals in his first seven league appearances.