Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo: Who Should Arsenal Sign?

Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo: Who should Arsenal sign this summer?

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Declan Rice celebrates scoring West Ham's third goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between West Ham United and KAA Gent at London Stadium on April 20, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

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Caicedo partners Alexis Mac Allister in a midfield pivot at Brighton. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Versatility

There’s no doubt that Caicedo has already shown in his young career a capacity to perform various functions to a high standard. The midfielder operated at the base of a 4-3-3 at his old club, Independiente del Valle, as well as on the right side of a midfield three.

Under De Zerbi, though, Caicedo has functioned as a midfield shuttler in a pivot with Mac Allister. While he’s the more defensively-minded of the two, he often advances from his position in the left half-space and combines with teammates in the final third. He’s comfortable wherever he operates on the pitch.

Rice, meanwhile, has been limited to performing within a double pivot at West Ham, usually alongside Tomas Soucek, although the more creative Lucas Paqueta has occasionally partnered the England star in recent times. Overall, Rice, unlike Caicedo, hasn’t really got the chance to show off his ability to perform multiple roles, and I believe he could excel as an #8 in Arteta’s system.

Nevertheless, Caicedo has to be regarded as the more versatile of the two.

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