Moises Caicedo's rapid rise at Chelsea has earned him elite status among Premier League midfielders, according to manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues boss has placed the £115 million ($146.5m) summer signing from Brighton in the same category as Manchester City's Rodri and Arsenal's Declan Rice, highlighting the Ecuadorian's growing influence at Stamford Bridge since his British-record transfer in August 2023.
Finding his feet in London
After initial adaptation challenges following his high-profile move, Caicedo has hit his stride under Maresca's leadership. The 23-year-old's performances have played a key role in propelling Chelsea to second place in the Premier League table. The midfielder's versatility has particularly impressed the coaching staff, with his ability to excel in multiple positions becoming a valuable asset for the team.
Maresca revealed the strategic planning behind Caicedo's deployment: "Probably Moi as a full-back inside was in our minds from day one. But because of Romeo's injury and Enzo's moment [out of form], we decided to use him as a holding midfielder."
The manager added that this tactical flexibility has brought balance to the team, especially when combining with Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer.
Standing among giants
Speaking at Chelsea's pre-match press conference, Maresca left no doubt about Caicedo's standing in English football. The manager stated firmly,
"He is for sure now at that level, no doubt. Unfortunately, Rodri is injured, but Declan is playing. But I think Moises can sit at that table with those kinds of midfielders."
This comparison gains additional weight considering Rodri's instrumental role in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign and Rice's impact following his £105m ($133.7m) move to Arsenal. Caicedo's performances have matched these expectations, proving his worth in Chelsea's midfield setup.
Impact on Chelsea's campaign
The Ecuadorian international now finds himself competing with last season's standout performer Cole Palmer for Chelsea's Player of the Season award. His midfield control has become crucial to the team's top-four aspirations, with an upcoming fixture against league leaders Tottenham Hotspur offering another platform to display his abilities.
Caicedo's journey from his challenging start to becoming an essential component of Chelsea's midfield marks a significant milestone in his career. His performance in the crucial match against Spurs could prove vital in Chelsea's bid to challenge for Premier League supremacy, as they aim to reduce the gap at the top of the table.