Moises Caicedo Chelsea claim made as Rio Ferdinand offers Declan Rice comparison

Moises Caicedo has been one of the standout performers for Chelsea this season.

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has waded in on the debate surrounding Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo regarding which player is better of the two - and he just can't split them.

The ex-Red Devils star has revealed he was desperate for his old club to sign Rice or Caicedo before their high-profile transfers to rivals Arsenal and Chelsea .

The footballer-turned pundit star was questioned about which midfielder is performing better at present, with both players excelling for their respective sides.

Speaking on his podcast, Rio Presents, Ferdinand said: "It's swings and roundabouts, they have a lot of similarities about their game. I think Declan, if you let him off his leash, he'll give you more going forward.

"But Caicedo, defensively, he smells danger quicker and better. I don't think there's much between them, so I'd be happy with either.

"When they were both on the market, I was screaming for Manchester United to go and buy them because I saw the value in Caicedo."

"I thought Caicedo would've been magnificent for Manchester United, given time, while Declan would've been a ridiculous signing. It's splitting hairs between the two, I'll be honest.

"It depends what position you're going to play them in, if you're playing them as a holding midfielder, I'd probably say Caicedo. As a number eight, then I'd say Declan.

"You let Declan go, [then] he scores more goals than Caicedo all day long and he creates all day long. They'd be a nightmare to play against together."

Declan Rice during an Arsenal game. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League following their win against West Ham United prior to October's international break, but they have their London rivals Chelsea to thank with Caicedo scoring in the 2-1 win over Liverpool.

That result for the Blues moves them to 11 points, five behind the Gunners after seven top-flight fixtures so far.