Gary Neville has lauded Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo for his resurgence in form under new boss Enzo Maresca. The Ecuador international, signed from Brighton for a British record transfer worth £115 million last year, struggled in his first season at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino.
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However, Caicedo has shown significant improvement following the arrival of Maresca and has established himself as a key figure in the Italian’s system. The 23-year-old has started all 19 games for Chelsea in the league so far this season, with his form earning recognition from both Neville and Jamie Carragher as the Sky Sports pundits put together their teams of the season so far.
The former Manchester United full-back, in particular, praised Caciedo for the way in which he bounced back after his difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge. ‘He was fantastic at Brighton. He came to Chelsea and looked awful in a Chelsea shirt,’ Neville said.
‘That partnership with Enzo Fernandez in midfield just wasn’t working at all. But he’s been so much better this season. So much more settled. ‘I think when he plays with [Romeo] Lavia he plays well. Actually, Enzo Fernandez has come back into the team in recent week as well and he’s looking even better with him.
‘He looks like the player that they signed. He’s been the outstanding player.’. Meanwhile, former Chelsea assistant Jody Morris has suggested that Caicedo’s levels of performance this season make him the Blues’ most important player, even ahead of Cole Palmer.
