Caicedo is an elite 6. That’s his core skill set. A cowardly, dirty cunt but he’s very, very good.
However, Rice is an elite 6 and an elite 8. He has more facets to his game. The crazy thing is that Rice is comparable to Caicedo in terms of pure DM attributes e.g. ball winning, sniffing danger, defensive positioning, engine etc.
But Rice also can smash goals in from 25 yards, he can spray the ball around the pitch and is a world class set piece taker. His tactical IQ is also sensational - how he has evolved under Arteta is an absolute credit to his willingness to improve and learn. And he has grown into the best all round midfielder in the world. He has no weakness in attack or defence.
One thing I always factored in with his price was that we were getting a guy who can be a key player for the best part of 10 years. Nowadays you are paying 50-60 for potential alone, whereas Rice was an established player at PL and international level with youth still on his side.
Even now his price is barely ever mentioned except by our fans saying he was a bargain.
He had 8 goals and 9 assists last season in the PL and CL, often while playing a sleeper role on the pitch. He was key during the CL run, which of course the club makes even more money on the deeper they go into the tournament. He’s integral to the way Arteta sets up the team. Arsenal paid a fee commiserate with a top player getting ready to enter his prime years.
Can’t think of a better player in the world for set piece delivery.
Vitinha at 50% less transfer fee
McAllister won liverpool the PL at 35m
Gravenberch the same
What did Rodri cost City?
What did Bernardo Silva cost City?
Mcallister won Liverpool the PL??? Salah was much more integral to that PL side. McAllister is not the key cog in that team. Not too mention Rice had better #s in the PL and CL last season.
What years were those transfers completed? Market will continue to adjust prices upward given that TV and prize money show little to no signs of slowing down or reversing course. Give me a recent midfield signing (last couple of seasons) that is better than Rice and had a lower transfer fee.
Actually that’s an objective way to measure. What other objective measure would you like to use?
Statisically, Rice is better than the players you listed. If you wish to argue using the Trion subjective eye test, you can keep your opinion even as the objective facts aren’t in your favor.
What are you on about mate? Rice is an elite midfielder now. A transformational signing for Arsenal and is going to be the dominant midfielder in the PL for years to come, as I and others foretold…
