Caicedo Confident Chelsea Can Challenge Arsenal Despite Title Leaders’ Form, Hails Rice

Chelsea midfielder, Moises Caicedo, has signalled his belief that his side can challenge Arsenal’s Premier League title bid when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, November 30.

Asked whether Chelsea can halt Arsenal’s momentum, the Ecuadorian simply told The Daily Mail: “Why not? They are doing really well, but we haven’t faced them yet.”

Caicedo, 24, has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective midfielders since joining Chelsea for a then-British-record £115 million from Brighton two years ago. Known for his energy, ball-winning ability and tactical awareness, he combines a polite demeanour off the pitch with relentless focus on it.

Despite widespread praise, Caicedo dismissed suggestions that he is the league’s best defensive midfielder. “No,” he said. “So many. I don’t want to say to the world that I’m the best because there’s no truth to that. In my mind, I’m the best version of myself, if you know what I mean? It’s different when you say you are the best in the world to the world.

“There are so many good players in my position. I’m doing my best. But I need to show more because I feel like I can do more. With goals, with assists, I can feel it.”

He highlighted his performance against Tottenham, where he recovered possession multiple times and set up Joao Pedro’s winning goal. “I believed I could get that ball back, then I did, then I made an assist. I can do that in every single game. I believe in myself and, for sure, I’m going to do it.”

Caicedo also spoke about the anticipated midfield duel with Arsenal captain Declan Rice. “Declan, everybody knows how good he is. It will be a great battle, me and him. It’s very nice, very special and like he said, we play in different positions.

“People compare him and myself but I’m so happy he’s doing really well. I enjoy watching him play because he’s so good. I want to play against the best defensive and attacking midfielders in the world and he’s one of them. I’m waiting. It’s nice that people compare us, but we are not fighting. He wants to do well. I’m going to fight. I’m ready. Everybody is ready. I’m looking forward to it.”

Caicedo reflected on his decision to join Chelsea over Arsenal and Liverpool, describing it as fate. “Everything happens for a reason. I almost did it, but now I’m here, and I’m so happy. The timing was good.

“I waited until Chelsea came for me. People laughed. They said I chose the wrong place, but sometimes you need time to adapt to a big team. I needed that. I want to give everything to this club because they didn’t doubt me. I chose Chelsea because they have ambitions. I want to win trophies, more trophies with this club.”

The midfielder has already won the Conference League and Club World Cup and is determined to achieve more with Chelsea. “For sure. It’s time. We are in a good direction, we want to continue like this, and we are going to get there.”

Chelsea go into the match against Arsenal at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday after claiming victories over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final and Barcelona in the Champions League. Caicedo’s message is clear: confidence is high, and the Blues are ready for the challenge.