The debate between Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo is another one that football never knew it needed, but due to the rivalry between two London clubs, the football world continues to weigh in on the discussion of who is better between the top midfielders.

Two players, who commanded triple-digit transfer fees, with Declan Rice signing for Arsenal from West Ham United, while Moises Caicedo moved to Chelsea from Brighton, in a deal worth £15 million more than the former's £100 million deal.

Both players have established themselves as important contributors in their respective teams, while also being heavily relied on by their countries.

Declan Rice vs Moisés Caicedo – Who is the Better Midfielder?

Declan Rice | Defensive Midfielder/ Box-to-Box Engine

Declan Rice is primarily a defensive midfielder, who is also very comfortable playing as a central midfielder. He has also been played as a center back, right back, and left back.

The Englishman has played over 250 games as a holding midfielder, but has played more as a No.8 since his move to Arsenal, previously ahead of Thomas Partey and now Martin Zubimendi.

He has got the legs, the willingness, and the willpower to travel the distance, excels at ball carrying, duels, tackles, passing, playmaking, and has an excellent shooting range, and is a freak athlete.

Moises Caicedo | Defensive Midfielder

Moises Caicedo is a defensive midfielder, with three-quarters of his almost 200 career games coming in this position, with less than 40 as a central midfielder and the rest in right back.

The Ecuadorian excels more at defending the lines ahead of his two center-backs. He has great tackles, he is a dual monster, high pressing intensity, and a massive work rate.

Caicedo has made the holding midfield position his own at Chelsea, and even though his productivity pales compared to his partner Enzo Fernandez, he remains the most important part of the midfield.

Declan Rice vs Moisés Caicedo – Who is the Better Midfielder?

Both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo thrive on the same abilities, although not all on the same level. While one is dominant in some, the other isn't too far behind, and vice versa.

Below, we'll determine whether Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo is better using the general metrics for midfielders.

Declan Rice vs Moises Caicedo — Who is better Defensively?

Moises Caicedo comes out on top here.

The Chelsea man is the more defensive-minded midfielder and continues to play in that role, while Declan Rice plays as a DM on rare occasions these days.

Moises Caicedo helps Chelsea do all the dirty jobs, and is a master at it; arguably, no player does this better. He has earned a reputation for his tackles and ball-winning, which all make him a huge fan favourite in West London.

Across the last three Premier League seasons, the former Brighton man has made more tackles (305) and won possession more times (677) than any other player in the competition.

• Moises Caicedo — 9.8
• Declan Rice — 9.5

For Declan Rice, you just have to see him do it these days, as he is not as much involved in these kinds of situations where he has to make tackles or win possession, as his position limits his engagement in the former, while Arsenal is a possession-based side for the latter.

Between the 2018-19 and 2019-20 Premier League seasons, when he played primarily as a defensive midfielder at West Ham United, Rice combined for 214 tackles, highlighting just how good he is when needed to engage.

Declan Rice vs Moises Caicedo — Who is the better Controller?

Declan Rice comes out on top here.

Whether to carry the ball the distance or pass it, Declan Rice is the better player than Moises Caicedo, whose specialty is short passes to teammates rather than Rice's range and precision, even when under pressure.

In the 2023-24 Premier League season, the Englishman completed 7.2 progressive passes per 90, compared to 4.9 for Caicedo. Last season, it was 6.01 and 5.77 respectively.

• Declan Rice — 9.1
• Moises Caicedo — 8.0

Rice can move the ball without more determination and security than Caicedo given his technical edge and excellent movement. He has quicker feet and can manipulate directions to confuse opponents.

While Caicedo often keeps possession through short, and safe passes when under pressure, Rice consistently advances the ball, breaking opposition lines and initiating transitions, qualities that elevate him as the more complete playmaker from deep.

Physical Attributes: Strength, Speed, and Stamina Compared

Another one Moises Caicedo wins.

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Moises Caicedo thrives on explosive athleticism and ground coverage. In the last Premier League season, he averaged 8.9 ball recoveries per 90 and won 57% of his ground duels, compared to Declan Rice’s 7.3 recoveries and 52% success.

The Chelsea midfielder also registered more pressures (21.4 per 90) and tackles won (2.9 per 90), highlighting his superior mobility and intensity in defensive transitions.

• Moises Caicedo — 9.3
• Declan Rice — 9.0

While Rice dominates through cheer strength and positioning, Caicedo’s speed, agility, and relentless pressing make him the more physical midfielder, able to cover wider zones and sustain high-tempo battles across ninety minutes.

Declan Rice vs Moises Caicedo — Who has better mentality and leadership?

Declan Rice stands out for leadership and mentality through consistency, composure, and influence. He began to occasionally captain West Ham United at the age of 21, while club legend, Mark Noble was still playing.

At 23, he was named captain following the retirement of Noble and showed qualities of a true leader. Never exposed under pressure and rarely loses his head. Never has he been sent off via a straight red card in over 450 games since turning professional.

His only sending off came in a Premier League meeting with Brighton in 2024, a controversial decision by referee Chris Kavanagh, who gave the Arsenal man a second yellow despite being the victim of a kick by Joel Veltman.

Rice, owing to his excellent communication and accountability in big moments, has also been tipped by fans and pundits to be named captain at Arsenal.

In comparison, Moises Caicedo, although he has captained Chelsea a few times, does not possess many leadership qualities like Rice. In almost half of Declan Rice's career games, He is not the vocal type, can be rash with his tackles, has given away more penalties, and earned more bookings.

Declan Rice vs Moises Caicedo — Who offers more offensively?

Declan Rice comes ahead again.

Declan Rice stands at 37 goal involvements at Arsenal, which is just four shy of Moises Caicedo's career tally.

Although the Englishman has made more appearances, his knack for scoring and creation has also significantly improved lately, making him one of the best offensive and defensive midfielders of the 21st century.

Moises Caicedo has created 12 big chances in 125 Premier League games, which is fewer than the 16 Decelan Rice had just last season alone in the competition.

• Declan Rice — 8.0
• Moises Caicedo — 6.8

Caicedo also totaled 101 chances created in the competition, with Rice boasting a superior total of 166, during the same time both players have played in the competition since Moises Caicedo made his debut in 2021-22.

Declan Rice also adds creativity from set-pieces, whether taking corners or free-kicks, something far-fetched for Moises Caicedo.

Declan Rice vs Moises Caicedo — Who is more Versatile?

Declan Rice is the more versatile of the two midfielders. Having featured as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, centre-back, right-back, and left-back, with adaptability tested and proven at both club and international levels.

During his time at West Ham, the 26-year-old occasionally played in defence, while at Arsenal, he has alternated between the No.6 and No.8 roles with equal authority. His tactical intelligence allows him to adjust seamlessly to various systems and responsibilities.

In contrast, Moisés Caicedo’s versatility is largely limited to defensive roles, excelling as a holding midfielder although occasionally played at right back and central midfield, but offers far less positional flexibility than Rice.

Declan Rice vs Moises Caicedo — Who has more transfer value?

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, despite commanding a lesser transfer fee is more valuable than Moises Caicedo, who is three years younger and cost £15 million more than Rice in the same window.

According to Transfermarkt, Declan Rice is currently worth €120 million, €30 million more than Moises Caicedo, who is valued at €90 million.

Declan Rice vs Moisés Caicedo – Who Comes Out on Top?

In a world where player comparison can not be overlooked, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are two of the most gifted midfielders around the world at this time, but in comparison, one has to come out on top.

• Declan Rice — 9.2/10
• Moises Caicedo — 8.5/10

While both players thrive on similar qualities, Declan Rice stands above Caicedo in a few other attributes, mainly in attacking contributions and technical prowess.

Comparison will continue to divide opinions, but it does not take much to see that Declan Rice does everything Moises Caicedo does, and more.

Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo? Leave your takes on who is the better midfielder in the comment section.