Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on Moisés Caicedo, believing the midfielder has what it takes to compete with the best in the Premier League, including Manchester City’s Rodri and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
The 22-year-old Caicedo has been a key figure in Chelsea’s strong start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. He has made 16 appearances so far, contributing a goal and two assists, as the Blues sit in second place, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. Maresca has been impressed by Caicedo’s performances and believes he is already operating at the level of some of the league’s top midfielders.
“He is for sure now at that level, no doubt about it,” Maresca stated ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur. “Unfortunately, Rodri is injured for the rest of the season, but Declan Rice is playing. I think Moisés can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder.”
Maesca also reflected on Caicedo’s versatility, noting that the midfielder has played in various roles due to injuries to other players, including a recent stint as a right-back. “Because of Romeo Lavia’s injury and Enzo Fernandez’s current situation, we’ve used Moisés as a holding midfielder,” he explained. “We used him at right-back in the last game, and in the future, that could be an option too.”
Despite their impressive form, Maresca urged caution, acknowledging that Chelsea is still in the process of development and is not yet at the level of the Premier League’s top sides. “We are happy for the fans, absolutely. They deserve to live this moment and dream,” he said. “But I’ve said many times, I don’t think we are ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City yet.”
Chelsea will look to continue their strong campaign as they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday, hoping to reduce the gap to Liverpool, who had their clash with Everton postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
