Chelsea star earns high praise from Maresca after Spurs win | OneFootball

Caicedo Rising: Maresca Hails Chelsea Midfielder as One of World’s Best

Midfield Masterclass Earns Praise from the Boss

At a rain-soaked Stamford Bridge under the London lights, Chelsea ground out a 1-0 win over Tottenham that was forged not in flamboyance but in midfield industry. At the heart of it all, Moises Caicedo stood tall, relentless in the tackle, calm in the transition, and subtly dominant in every phase.

For Enzo Maresca, it was a performance that underlined everything he values in a midfielder. “In this moment I think he is one of the best or the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is doing fantastic,” said the Chelsea head coach, offering the Ecuadorian the sort of praise that resonates deeply when it comes from a coach who once bossed a midfield himself.

Steadying Presence in a Crucial Victory

Caicedo’s £115m price tag raised eyebrows when he swapped Brighton’s blue for Chelsea’s. A slow start saw doubts creep in, but recent performances, particularly against top opposition, are shifting the narrative.

Photo IMAGO

In the narrow win over Spurs, Caicedo not only went the full 90 minutes but played through an early injury scare—an emblem of his grit. He had a goal chalked off for offside and was instrumental in forcing a VAR check that disallowed a Spurs equaliser. Still, he remained composed, controlled, and committed.

His presence allowed Enzo Fernández to surge forward, scoring the game’s only goal. But it was Caicedo who provided the platform for that freedom.

photo IMAGO

Humility and Hard Work Behind the Brilliance

Maresca’s admiration isn’t just about what Caicedo brings to matchdays. “The best thing about Moi is that everyday he is working serious, he is very humble, very kind, he is polite, he is a fantastic guy and I feel today was another great performance,” he told Sky Sports.

Such traits resonate in a dressing room that’s still maturing. Chelsea are rebuilding. They need warriors. Caicedo, despite his age, is fast becoming one.

Discipline Adds Another Layer to Development

Caicedo’s form is matched by improved discipline. He’s now gone three Premier League matches without a yellow card—crucial as he walks the tightrope of nine bookings. Should he avoid cautions against Brentford and Ipswich, he’ll escape the looming two-match ban.

For Chelsea, for Maresca, and for the fans, that could be decisive. A player once doubted is now simply indispensable.