Qarabag - Chelsea: Caicedo is a true 'beast' in the midfield

05/11/2025 07:15:00 PANDATV

Moises Caicedo is demonstrating that he fully deserves the hefty £115 million Chelsea invested to acquire him from Brighton.

At just 24, Caicedo has established himself as the core of Enzo Maresca’s setup, a true "beast" in the midfield who blends power, pace, and exceptional tactical savvy.

“The Blue Beast

The upcoming clash between Chelsea and Arsenal at the end of November is widely regarded by experts as a top-tier duel between two of the Premier League’s finest central midfielders: Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice. Both transfers exceeded £100 million in 2023. While Rice represents all-around excellence, Caicedo embodies defensive strength and resilience, a rare modern defensive midfielder who can completely dominate the midfield space.

Though they represent different styles, when it comes to the true "beast" in midfield who intimidates every opponent, it’s Caicedo. He not only wins his 50-50 battles but also commands the midfield with abundant energy and outstanding coverage skills.

In the recent 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Caicedo delivered a performance experts could only describe as "perfect." He helped Chelsea set a record for keeping opponents’ expected goals (xG) at a historic low (0.05) and dominated every duel in midfield. His fierce contest with Djed Spence, followed by pressing, stealing the ball from center-back Van de Ven, and assisting Joao Pedro’s goal, clearly showcased Caicedo’s strength and fighting spirit.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who played alongside Caicedo at Brighton, expressed his pride: "He is the best player in the world at that position. Every 50-50, every tackle, Caicedo wins. He’s a monster."

Coach Enzo Maresca shares this view, stating that Caicedo and Rodri are the two best defensive midfielders on the planet today. This praise is even more significant since Rodri is the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. For Maresca, Caicedo is not only powerful but also humble, dedicated, and always ready to support his teammates.

Moises Caicedo is currently one of the world’s top defensive midfielders

Not only within Chelsea but also among neutral experts, the Ecuadorian midfielder’s enormous influence is widely acknowledged. Jamie Carragher, Sky Sports commentator and Liverpool legend, calls him a "beast in midfield." The former English defender insists that Joao Pedro’s goal against Tottenham "belongs to Caicedo," as it was Caicedo’s tireless effort that created the scoring chance.

Strength and resilience make the difference

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear why Caicedo is considered a destructive force in midfield. Since the start of the 2024/25 season, he ranks among the Premier League leaders in tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries.

These stats reveal one thing: Caicedo does not just occupy midfield; he dominates the entire area. His tackling and interception map covers the whole pitch, from his own penalty area to the edge of the opposition’s box.

What makes Caicedo special isn’t just his superior physicality but also his tactical intelligence and admirable discipline. He reads situations quickly, positions himself precisely to cut passing lanes, and knows exactly when to commit tactical fouls to protect the defensive structure. At Chelsea, Caicedo acts as the "anchor," allowing players like Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer the freedom to create up front.

Unlike many midfielders who mainly excel in duels, Caicedo remains composed on the ball. He handles it cleanly, passes decisively, and rarely makes mistakes. The Ecuadorian does not seek flashy plays, but every pass he makes serves a clear purpose: launching quick counterattacks or helping Chelsea maintain control during tough moments.

At 24, Caicedo has shown the performance level of a world-class midfielder. From an unknown youngster at Independiente del Valle (Ecuador), he rose at Brighton before becoming the focal point of Chelsea’s revival project. If he keeps this form, there is no doubt Caicedo will soon rank among the greatest defensive midfielders in Premier League history.

Vu Manh

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