Maresca Dismisses 'Best Midfielder' Debate Ahead of London Derby
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has firmly sidestepped the debate over whether Moises Caicedo or Declan Rice is the Premier League's top midfielder, instead naming three other players he considers their equals.
The comments came during the pre-match press conference for Sunday's highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. A victory for the Blues would see them close the gap on their London rivals to just three points.
Beyond the Caicedo-Rice Duel
While many pundits believe the game's outcome will hinge on the central midfield battle between the two England-based stars, Maresca offered a broader perspective. When asked if he agreed with that assessment, the Italian coach replied, "I think the Premier League is full of good players, very good midfielders."
He proceeded to list the talents he holds in similarly high regard. "As you said, Moises, Declan, Rodri from Manchester City, Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, [Bruno] Guimaraes from Newcastle," Maresca stated, emphasising the depth of quality in the league.
He downplayed the idea of a single decisive matchup, adding, "[The battle between Caicedo and Rice] is a big part but it’s not the only one. I think it’s 11v11... The big picture is not just one part of the picture."
Maresca's Elite Midfield Trio
The three players Maresca named alongside his own man, Caicedo, and Arsenal's Rice represent a mix of established world-class talent and emerging quality.
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner from Manchester City, continues to be regarded as one of the globe's finest defensive midfielders, despite an injury-disrupted season.
Bruno Guimaraes has been a model of consistency for Newcastle United since his arrival three years ago, cementing his status as a key figure at St James' Park.
Perhaps the most surprising name was Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest star is enjoying a true breakthrough season and is now in contention to start for England alongside Rice at next summer's World Cup. His form has reportedly put Manchester United on high alert, with his valuation now exceeding £100 million.
Cautious Optimism for Chelsea's Title Credentials
Chelsea head into the derby brimming with confidence after a stunning 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, a performance hailed as one of their best under Maresca.
A positive result against Arsenal would send a powerful message that Chelsea are genuine title contenders. However, Maresca is tempering expectations. "I think it’s too early in any case," he said when questioned about a potential title challenge. "We are still, end of November, we are still five, six months to go."
He believes the true test will come later in the season, stating, "It’s very important when we’re going to be in February, March, where we are, and from there we decide and we see if we can achieve something important." Despite his caution, he acknowledged the team's growth, confirming, "I think for sure it’s different compared to one year ago."
