Chelsea told they have a version of Declan Rice, but Xabi Alonso has only used him once
Declan Rice is up there with the most influential midfielders in the Premier League, but Chelsea have been told that they have their own version – even if Xabi Alonso has hardly used him yet.
There are plenty of impactful midfielders in the Premier League, in the context of their own sides. Rice is crucial to the way Arsenal play, the way they defend and attack, and that makes him one of the best.
It’s time to talk about our midfield situation… who’s getting your vote?
He is the driving force in Mikel Arteta’s side, a leader and a goal threat, but also a player who does the dirty work. Ask Arsenal fans which player they would least likely want to lose to injury, and it is Rice.
At the same time, Chelsea are really lacking in midfield. Reece James and Romeo Lavia struggled to dominate against Hull, with Enzo Fernandez sold and Chelsea unable to replace him in the window.
John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea do have their own Declan Rice
On Monday evening, it was reported that Jordan Henderson was back in training, but Moises Caicedo was nowhere to be seen. The Ecuadorian has only played once this season, and it lasted just 14 minutes.
The midfielder has been struggling with a calf issue. During the win against his old side Brighton, Caicedo was subbed on, but 14 minutes later, he had to be replaced by Valentin Barco. John Obi Mikel had his say.
“We are missing Moises Caicedo. I said it from the start. When we get Moises Caicedo back, I think we will be a much much solid team. He is that guy that breaks up play,” Mikel said on his Obi One podcast.
“He’s that guy that makes sure that our back four is well protected. Our back four is solid. We know what Moises Caicedo can give us. We know what he brings to the team. That energy that he brings,” he added.
“He breaks up plays, sets up plays, drives the ball forward; what Declan Rice is doing for Arsenal. That’s what Caicedo brings. An absolutely huge miss for us. When he comes back, we’ll be a much better team.”
Chelsea might have to wait until after the international break
It might be almost a month until Chelsea see Caicedo again. The Blues travel across West London on Friday night to take on Brentford, but with Caicedo not in training on Monday, the midfielder is a doubt.
Given the nature of the injury, Alonso will be cautious in bringing him back. Especially after he broke down against Brighton after coming on. With one game left before the break, Caicedo may miss out.
DISCUSS: It’s time for Xabi Alonso to start Valentin Barco…
The stats simply DO NOT lie 👇
With Henderson looking as though he will be available to play against his old team on Friday and make his Chelsea debut, it might be that the Blues do not risk Caicedo and give him the break to recover.
Of course, that also hinges on whether Ecuador call Caicedo up to the National Team in the break. But it might not be until October 10 before Chelsea see Caicedo again, when the Blues host Bournemouth.
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