Joe Cole claims Benfica were”petrified” of “outstanding” Chelsea star who was “everywhere” | OneFootball

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has claimed Benfica’s players were “petrified” of midfielder Moises Caicedo on Tuesday night.

The Blues returned to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 win against the Portuguese giants as they got their first points on the board in this season’s Champions League.

Chelsea were far from their best, but having won just one of their last five games, all that mattered was getting the win.

Joe Cole praises Moises Caicedo

Following Saturday’s defeat against Brighton, Enzo Maresca made a number of changes with the likes of Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte handed starts.

Maresca didn’t rotate his midfield which meant once again Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo were paired together in the engine room.

Caicedo was once again impressive in the middle of the park. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Caicedo again put in another top class performance, and Cole claimed after the game the Benfica players were “petrified” of him.

“I thought he was outstanding,” he told TNT Sports.

“Every time we watch him we’re blown away by him. He was just pickpocketing people. Mr Calm.

“They could not move. He was nicking it off them, he was finding passes, he was brilliant.

“It was getting to the point where the Benfica midfielders were receiving the ball and they were petrified. He was everywhere.”

Chelsea lose another midfielder to injury

Whilst both Caicedo and Fernandez impressed against Benfica, there was more bad news for Chelsea on the injury front.

Maresca confirmed after the game that Andrey Santos won’t be back until after the international break, and he joins Dario Essugo on the sidelines.

More Stories / Latest News

Joe Cole claims Benfica were”petrified” of “outstanding” Chelsea star who was “everywhere”

1st Oct 2025, 08:45am

Owen Hargreaves wowed by performance of “quick” and “explosive” Chelsea ace against Benfica

1st Oct 2025, 08:15am

Benoit Badiashile names “magic player” who will make “big difference” for Chelsea in coming years

1st Oct 2025, 07:45am

Romeo Lavia is back fit again and came on as late substitute against Brighton, but despite being named on the bench he didn’t feature against Benfica.

The Blues have real depth in midfield, but that is currently being tested and if anything were to happen to Fernandez or Caicedo they’d be in real trouble.