"I can’t divide them" - Michail Antonio claims Arsenal star has been on the same level as Chelsea's Cole Palmer this season
West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has said that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been on the same level as Chelsea's Cole Palmer this season.
Antonio, while discussing the Premier League's signing of the season, compared the duo. Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer and has had a phenomenal personal campaign despite his team often struggling.
Palmer has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists in 33 league appearances. He has won the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. Rice, meanwhile, joined the Gunners from West Ham United for £105 million in the summer and has been equally impactful.
Antonio thinks his former teammate has been just as impactful as Palmer. He said on The Players Channel podcast (via Metro):
"I've got two people I can't pick between, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer. I can't divide them. Of course, if you're going to pick someone, you've to pick the attacking players, given the goals they've scored.
"But you can't disregard the job Declan Rice has done at Arsenal, and that's the reason I am not picking, and it's a draw between those two for me."
Rice, since his summer move to the Emirates, has scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 37 Premier League appearances. He has played every league game this season. Rice's presence in midfield has been a key factor in Mikel Arteta's side's impressive performances this season.
Arsenal's Declan Rice and Chelsea's Cole Palmer have proved their mettle
Declan Rice's arrival has been a key factor behind Arsenal's title charge this season. Although Mikel Arteta's side look set to finish behind Manchester City, barring a dramatic final day miracle, Rice's impact can't be ignored.
Cole Palmer, meanwhile, joined Chelsea from City for £42.5 million. He was unproven at the time of the transfer, and many were skeptical of the Blues spending a chunk of money on the player.
The striker, though, has proven that he deserves every minute of first-team football he was craving for. He has been the revelation of the season to some extent.