Jamie Carragher Hails Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo as the Best Midfielders in World Football
Football pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has sparked lively debate among fans after naming Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo as the two best midfielders in world football.
Carragher made the bold claim following Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham and Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Burnley on Saturday, both of which showcased dominant midfield performances from the two players.
Joao Pedro’s goal handed Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea a much-needed win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while Rice and Viktor Gyökeres were on target for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who now sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Carragher could not contain his admiration for Caicedo’s energy and control in midfield:
“This was one of those goals when it’s not about the goalscorer — it’s all about Caicedo. He’s an absolute monster in midfield,” Carragher said. “It’s absolutely fantastic from Caicedo and exactly what Chelsea have deserved.
“I upset Chelsea fans, not for the first time, by saying Declan Rice was just ahead of this man [Caicedo]. But right now, we are watching two of the best midfielders in world football. There’s no doubt about that.”
💭 Opinion: Carragher Might Be Right — Rice and Caicedo Are Defining the New Era of Midfield Football
Carragher’s statement might sound controversial at first, but there’s solid reasoning behind it. In an era where midfielders are expected to do it all — break up play, dictate tempo, and contribute to attacks — Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo have become the gold standard.
Declan Rice has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership figure at Arsenal. His positional awareness, defensive composure, and ability to surge forward have made him the heartbeat of Arteta’s system. Beyond his statistics, Rice’s calm authority makes Arsenal look more balanced and confident every time he steps onto the pitch.
Moises Caicedo, on the other hand, has evolved into Chelsea’s engine of resilience. After a shaky start following his record-breaking move from Brighton, the Ecuadorian midfielder is now showing why the Blues fought so hard to sign him. His tackling, anticipation, and physical presence have turned him into the anchor Chelsea desperately needed.
What makes both players stand out is their work ethic and tactical intelligence. Neither relies purely on flair or reputation — they grind, adapt, and control matches with understated brilliance.
While fans might still argue about who ranks higher, Carragher’s observation captures a truth few can deny: the Premier League currently boasts the two most complete midfielders in the world, both young, both hungry, and both redefining what modern midfield dominance looks like.
If this form continues, Rice and Caicedo won’t just rule the Premier League — they’ll shape the future of world football’s midfield play for years to come.
