I am ready for you — Declan Rice sends message to Chelsea star ahead of EPL clash

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has insisted he holds "a lot of respect" for Moises Caicedo ahead of their highly anticipated midfield battle when the Gunners face Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

The pair, frequently lauded as two of the best midfielders in world football this 2025-26 season, will clash at Stamford Bridge this weekend in a heavyweight Premier League fixture.

The game carries immense weight, as an Arsenal victory would send them nine points clear of their London rivals, while a Chelsea win would cut the gap at the top of the table to just three points.

Both teams are coming off major midweek Champions League victories against Bayern Munich and Barcelona, respectively.

Speaking to CBS Sports after his Man of the Match performance against Bayern on Wednesday evening, Rice spoke highly of his Ecuadorian counterpart.

"First and foremost, I have a lot of respect for Moises, I have played against him since his Brighton days, since I was at West Ham.

“I voted for him last year in my PFA Team of the Year. I thought he was outstanding last year, and he has started this year incredibly well as well.”

While acknowledging the hype, Rice pointed out the subtle differences in their roles: “There are so many comparisons between us, but we are playing different positions; he’s a full-blown six, and I am more of a box-to-box number 8.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of the individual battle:

“Sunday is going to be an interesting game. It is an exciting battle between us and one I’ll be ready for.”