Chelsea's Moises Caicedo Named Top Defensive Midfielder by Manager Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has praised Moises Caicedo as one of the top two defensive midfielders in the world, placing him alongside Manchester City's Rodri and notably excluding Arsenal's Declan Rice. Following Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Caicedo was instrumental in the win, providing the assist for the only goal and delivering a dominant, all-action midfield performance. Maresca highlighted Caicedo's humility and team spirit, emphasizing that his quality on the pitch justifies his record £115 million transfer fee. Football pundit Jamie Redknapp also lauded Caicedo as world-class, noting his exceptional ability to cover ground, win the ball, and make the right passes, making him a dream teammate for defenders. The victory propelled Chelsea temporarily into the Premier League's top four, with Caicedo's performances reinforcing the team's growing momentum under Maresca. This endorsement has sparked debate in the Premier League midfield hierarchy, given Caicedo's rapid rise and the high expectations surrounding his role at Chelsea.