A midfielder regarded as the best in the Premier League emerges

Gary Neville shocks by declaring Moises Caicedo as the top midfielder in the Premier League, surpassing Arsenal's Declan Rice.

Gary Neville once again grabs attention with a bold opinion comparing Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, two of the highest-rated central midfielders currently in the Premier League. After the Chelsea vs Liverpool match, the former Manchester United star stated that Caicedo is the rightful candidate for the title of “best midfielder in the league.”

According to Gary Neville, Rice’s performances are not enough to outshine Caicedo. On his personal podcast, Neville candidly said: “I’m thinking about Declan Rice and some other midfielders in the league, but right now I feel confident to say Caicedo is the bestplayer. He stands out above the rest.”

Neville also mentioned names like Ryan Gravenberch, Newcastle’s midfielders, and Rodri, who has long been considered the benchmark for the “number 6” role. However, he believes that at this moment, Caicedo’s form and influence at Chelsea are truly outstanding. “Caicedo is playing at the level of a complete midfielder, and I have no hesitation in ranking him as the top midfielder in the Premier League right now,” Neville emphasized..

The match at Stamford Bridge became the highlight of the round, not only due to Liverpool’s second consecutive defeat but also because of Caicedo’s impressive performance. The Ecuadorian midfielder opened the scoring with a decisive strike, laying the foundation for Chelsea’s victory over the defending champions. Later, young talent Estevao sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal, benefiting Arsenal as they climbed to the top of the league table.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice shone brightly in Arsenal’s match against West Ham. The English star not only scored the opening goal but was actively involved in every attacking phase, from creating chances and shooting to dribbling, helping the Gunners secure a convincing victory and maintain their lead before the international break. This was also Rice’s third goal against his former club since leaving London Stadium.

This opinion immediately sparked controversy among fans. For some Arsenal supporters, Declan Rice is clearly an irreplaceable pillar who has helped Mikel Arteta’s team reach the top of the table. Conversely, Caicedo’s convincing display against Liverpool demonstrated why Chelsea invested heavily to acquire him from Brighton, despite Arsenal’s strong interest in signing the midfielder at that time.

In the recent round, both Rice and Caicedo proved their worth in different ways: Rice with his consistency and all-around ability, Caicedo with his explosive impact and match-winning qualities. This makes the debate even more engaging, especially as both play crucial roles in Arsenal and Chelsea’s ambitions to compete for the 2025/26 title.