Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand have weighed in on the debate between Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and his Chelsea counterpart Moises Caicedo. The discussion has gained momentum in recent weeks, with various fans and pundits sharing their thoughts on the matter.
Roy Keane, on the Stick To Football podcast, expressed his preference for Rice, stating that the Englishman has “a little bit extra” compared to Caicedo. Keane’s opinion is significant, given his experience as a midfielder during his playing career.
Rio Ferdinand, another Manchester United legend, also shared his thoughts on the debate. He noted that both Rice and Caicedo have similar attributes, but they excel in different areas. Ferdinand suggested that if he were looking for a holding midfielder, he would choose Caicedo, but for a more attacking role, he would opt for Rice.
The context of this debate is notable, as both Rice and Caicedo have made significant contributions to their respective teams. Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023 for a reported fee of £105 million, while Caicedo moved to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion for £115 million in the same year.
The two midfielders have impressive statistics, with Rice scoring 17 goals and providing 23 assists in 113 appearances for Arsenal. Caicedo, on the other hand, has contributed six goals and 10 assists in 107 appearances for Chelsea, helping the team win the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The debate between Rice and Caicedo is likely to continue, especially as the Premier League season progresses. Currently, Arsenal sits atop the table, while Chelsea is seventh, five points behind the leaders. The two teams are scheduled to face each other on November 30 and February 28, 2026, which may provide further insight into the abilities of these two talented midfielders.
The opinions of Keane and Ferdinand add to the ongoing discussion, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both Rice and Caicedo. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these two players perform and whether they can lead their teams to success.