“I will have problem to handle one player” – Declan Rice gives honest verdict on Enzo Maresca XI after woking with Chelsea manager
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Declan Rice Praises Former Coach Enzo Maresca Ahead of Arsenal-Chelsea Clash
Arsenal’s Declan Rice has shared insights on his admiration for Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, as Arsenal prepares to face their London rivals at Stamford Bridge. Rice, who previously worked with Maresca when the Italian coach was at West Ham, spoke highly of Chelsea’s transformation under Maresca, highlighting the progress Chelsea has made compared to last season.
Rice’s Perspective on Maresca’s Impact
In an interview with Freddie Ljungberg on Arsenal’s official website, Rice noted the drastic changes Chelsea has experienced since Maresca’s arrival. “I think the transition they’ve made this season has been amazing compared to last season,” Rice said. Reflecting on his time with Maresca, Rice emphasized his former coach’s character and leadership qualities, adding, “The coach, I worked with him at West Ham for a few years, so I know Enzo really well and he’s a really good guy.”
Rice acknowledged Chelsea’s revamped style and the positive energy within the squad. “They’ve got a young, exciting squad of players, so fair play to them for what they’re doing because there was a lot of negative talk about Chelsea last season. They’ve put that behind them to play how they’ve done this year with their style of play and attack, so credit to them. It’s set up to be a really tough game,” he added.
Key Matchup: Rice vs. Caicedo in Midfield
If Rice plays, he’ll be matched against Chelsea’s in-form midfielder Moises Caicedo, who has become a crucial player in Maresca’s lineup. Chelsea insiders reportedly view Caicedo as a stronger midfielder than Rice, adding intrigue to the matchup in the heart of the pitch. Both players are considered among the best midfielders in the Premier League, with Caicedo’s recent performances drawing high praise from analysts and former players alike. Adrian Clarke, a former Arsenal player, recently expressed his view that Caicedo is currently unmatched in the league’s midfield ranks.
Rice’s Fitness Concerns
There are, however, lingering questions around Rice’s availability for today’s game. He was absent in Arsenal’s recent Champions League loss to Inter Milan due to a broken toe, but reports suggest he is keen to play through the injury to support his team. If he does take the field, his presence will be a major asset for Mikel Arteta, who will need his best lineup to counter Chelsea’s strong form under Maresca.
As Arsenal and Chelsea prepare for this intense London derby, the reunion of Rice and Maresca adds an extra layer to the storyline. While Chelsea seeks to secure a top-four spot, Arsenal is equally motivated to reclaim points after their recent Champions League setback. With key players like Rice and Caicedo likely to battle in midfield, this clash promises a fierce competition between two of England’s most historic clubs.
