Paul Merson claims key Chelsea star ‘can’t do what Declan Rice does’

Paul Mersonhas praised one Chelsea midfielder but believes he is nowhere near as good as Arsenal’sDeclan Ricein terms of his all-round game.

Chelsea are on a great run of form, winning their last four matches ahead ofSaturday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland.

Most recently, Enzo Maresca’s side thrashed Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League, a game in whichEnzo Fernandez earned many plaudits.

The Argentina international controlled the game before being rested for the second-half, scored a penalty and would surely have had a second had he not selflessly handed the second spot-kick to Estevao Willian.

Fernandez has become a vital player for Maresca and with every game looks more and more like a player worth the then-record £107million the Blues paid to sign him two years ago.

But according to Arsenal legend Merson, the 24-year-old can’t match his Gunners counterpart, tellingSportskeeda: ‘Declan Rice affects the game more than any other midfielder playing the No.8 role in thePremier League.

‘As an all-round package who contributes at both ends of the pitch, I don’t see anyone better than him.

‘Enzo Fernandezis good when he goes forward with the ball, but he can’t do what Rice does in defence, no way.’

So far this season, Rice is level with Fernandez on five goal contributions, but Arsenal’s defensive record is unmatched, conceding just three times in eight league games.

However, Arsenal legend Merson does believe one Blues star is ‘the best in the world’ in his position, adding: ‘What I noticed about Chelsea in their win overAjaxis that whenMoises Caicedocame off, they were cut open through the middle like knife through butter.

‘It just shows how good he is and no matter what happens, Caicedo has to play every week for Chelsea. I don’t put Declan Rice in that holding midfielder role becauseMartin Zubimendiplays there forArsenal.

‘So I can confidently say that Caicedo is the best in the world in that position at the moment

‘I can’t remember the last time he had a bad game. The biggest compliment I can give him is that no one even mentions his price-tag anymore!’

Chelsea can move up to second in the table with a win over Sunderland, while Arsenal will be hoping to extend their lead at the top when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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