116 million euros. That seemingly crazy figure once shocked the whole of England when Chelsea decided to spend to pull Moises Caicedo away from Liverpool. A seemingly risky contract, but now, it is becoming an investment with immeasurable value.
In his second season at Chelsea, Caicedo quickly became an irreplaceable mainstay under Enzo Maresca. He was not a goalscorer, nor was he a flashy technical player. But like Claude Makelele, Caicedo was the heartbeat of the midfield – a quiet hero, covering the entire pitch, cleaning up and establishing order.
It’s no coincidence that Caicedo is being referred to as Makelele’s reincarnation. With an average of more than 10.3km covered per game, nine successful presses and two ball recoveries despite missing two games in the tournament, Caicedo has dominated Chelsea’s defensive stats at the Club World Cup. Those numbers are more than just statistics – they reflect an influence that transcends his role.
From the image of an “octopus” in the midfield, Caicedo is transforming himself into a hinge for the success of the whole system. On the field, he is the sweeper, the link between defense and attack, the one who maintains the balance that any team desires. That is also the reason why, despite having faced criticism about the transfer fee, Caicedo is now considered the first name that must be in the starting lineup of Maresca.
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In his second season at Chelsea, Caicedo quickly became an irreplaceable mainstay under Enzo Maresca. |
Alongside him, Enzo Fernandez - another blockbuster signing - forms a midfield duo that is quintessentially South American: strong, resilient and full of fighting spirit. This €237 million pair has helped Chelsea overcome a difficult period, qualifying for the Champions League, winning the Conference League and now standing on the brink of lifting the Club World Cup trophy.
But the biggest test is still ahead. The final against Paris Saint-Germain - the team with the most refined and versatile midfield in Europe - will be the ultimate measure of Caicedo's true worth. PSG's trio of Vitinha - João Neves - Fabian Ruiz promise to pressure Chelsea in both ball possession and game tempo. And only a fit, fiery, alert Caicedo can help "The Blues" stand firm against the storm.
No one knows how the final will turn out. But one thing is certain: if Chelsea are crowned champions, it will be a victory marked by a midfielder with the soul of Makelele - an Ecuadorian named Moises Caicedo.
Source: https://znews.vn/caicedo-xung-danh-bom-tan-116-trieu-euro-post1567990.html
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