Paul Merson has compared Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, leaning more towards the Arsenal star as someone who could add more to the team.
The transfer window is finally shut until January, and many will now sit and debate over the signings made by clubs. Those who went for big money will certainly come under scrutiny more for their price tags and the resulting performances on the pitch. Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo were two of the biggest movers, but they’ve had contrasting beginnings at their new clubs.
The former West Ham United captain has endeared himself to the Arsenal fanbase, while the Ecuadorian international has endured a disappointing start to life at Chelsea.
Caicedo was suspect in Nottingham Forest’s goal, which eventually turned out to be their winner against Chelsea, resulting in Mauricio Pochettino taking the midfielder off. Many have criticised the Ecuadorian midfielder for his early displays, including conceding a costly penalty during the loss to West Ham United.
The £115 million that Chelsea paid to Brighton & Hove Albion will weigh in more on Caicedo if he continues to put in displays like that. The fees paid for the Ecuadorian also helps Rice in a way that not many will see through the lenses of money that Arsenal spent any more.
Paul Merson:
"With Declan Rice, when you weigh him and Moises Caicedo up, it’s so different.
Rice gives you everything. It’s 1-1 and #Arsenal have really got to win the game if they want to keep tabs with Manchester City. He’s on and he scores the goal.
On Saturday, Chelsea… pic.twitter.com/LyHGuuvSbr
— Arsenal Harmony ⚡ (@ArsenalHarmoni) September 5, 2023
Incidentally, former Arsenal man Paul Merson gave his two cents on the two costly midfielders after the recent round of fixtures. The pundit weighed in on his comparisons of the Gunners and Chelsea star on his Sky Sports column, leaning towards Rice, insisting that the midfielder gives more to the team than Caicedo.
Merson said the following Caicedo, “The cream rises to the top. I’m a big fan but I did say when he got signed, he has got that look of Mesut Ozil about him. That’s the problem. If it isn’t going well, he doesn’t look too interested. That’s not the case – it just comes across like that.”
Then, on Rice, Merson continued, “With Declan Rice, when you weigh him and Moises Caicedo up, it’s so different. Rice gives you everything.” “It’s 1-1, and Arsenal have really got to win the game if they want to keep tabs with Manchester City. He’s on, and he scores the goal.”
“On Saturday, Chelsea are 1-0 down and they take Caicedo off. They’re both holding-midfield players but one gives you a lot more.” “If Rice can throw goals into his game then I dread to think how much he’s worth.”
Rice scored a dramatic late winner in a pulsating game at the Emirates against Manchester United. Gabriel Jesus added a third late on, but that goal from Arsenal’s record signing had a massive significance. More so, it cemented his place within the fan base, and he looked every bit worth of the £105 million paid to West Ham.
For now, Rice certainly looks like the better deal when compared to Caicedo; as Merson suggested, “One gives you more”. As for the Ecuadorian, he will come good going by how important a player he was for Brighton until this summer.
Caicedo’s form has coincided with that of Chelsea, who are struggling for relevance after a single win this season against newcomers Luton Town. They must improve their performances or suffer similar consequences to last season.
Caicedo has a big part to play, as Pochettino’s side are already playing catch-up. On the other side of London, Rice has already shown why Mikel Arteta wanted him, and the England star will have a massive role to play in a potential title challenge which looks back on track following that Manchester United win.
