Assessing Moises Caicedo’s Impact on Chelsea’s Performance

Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea FC, is keenly aware of the significance of Moises Caicedo in his squad. The Ecuadorian midfielder has been a mainstay, starting in 50 of 51 Premier League matches since Maresca took charge. However, Caicedo’s recent red card during a 1-1 draw with Arsenal will see him sidelined for three crucial matches: against Leeds, Bournemouth, and Everton.

Moises Caicedo’s Influence on Chelsea

Straight from the outset, Maresca has highlighted Caicedo’s importance. He equated the midfielder’s value to that of star attacker Cole Palmer. “We are a better team with Cole, we are a better team with Moi,” he stated. Indeed, Caicedo’s contributions have been pivotal for Chelsea this season.

Recent Challenges and Future Matches

Caicedo’s absence follows a brief return from international duty in South America. It almost kept him from starting in Chelsea’s successful 2-0 victory over Burnley after the November international break. Reflecting on the need to ensure victories without his star midfielder, Maresca noted, “I won’t do it any more. This is the last time!” While humor may have been intended, his comments underscore the necessity of Caicedo’s presence.

Acknowledging Brilliance

Caicedo’s prowess has not gone unnoticed, as he clinched both the Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Season awards for the 2024-25 campaign. Maresca considers him among the best defensive midfielders globally, alongside Manchester City’s Rodri.

Statistical Dominance

Supporting this view are statistics from Opta, which reveal Caicedo’s remarkable form. So far this season, he has outperformed all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, making:

• 28 tackles
• 18 interceptions

This means that Caicedo has accounted for 23% of Chelsea’s overall tackles—a figure that represents the second-highest ratio recorded by Opta for a player in any season since 2006-07. His duel-winning percentage stands at an impressive 59%, surpassing that of prominent midfielders such as Declan Rice of Arsenal and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool.

As Chelsea prepares for the upcoming matches without Moises Caicedo, the team’s need for his reinforcements becomes more evident. His return will undoubtedly enhance Chelsea’s performance in the pursuit of success in the Premier League.