Moises Caicedo: From £115m flop to Chelsea’s midfield maestro

When Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion for a British-record £115 million in August 2023, expectations were sky-high for the 21-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder. However, his early struggles marked by a debut penalty concession and fan skepticism led to harsh labels of “flop” and comparisons to N’Golo Kante that weighed heavily. Fast-forward to July 2025, Caicedo has silenced critics, emerging as Chelsea’s anchor, starting all 38 Premier League games in 2024/25, winning the club’s Player of the Season awards, and playing a pivotal role in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup triumph. This piece explores Caicedo’s remarkable turnaround, detailing his playing style, 2024/25 records, achievements, and the journey from doubt to stardom.

The rocky start for Moises Caceido

The arrival of Caicedo at Chelsea, for an initial £100 million plus £15 million in add-ons, came after a frenzied transfer saga involving Arsenal and Liverpool, who had a £111 million bid accepted before Caicedo chose Chelsea. His debut on August 20, 2023, against West Ham was a nightmare, as he conceded a penalty in a 3-1 loss. Early performances under Mauricio Pochettino were marred by errors, with fans and pundits, including Jurgen Klopp, questioning the price tag. “£100m? Waste of money,” were posted on social media, echoing sentiment that Caicedo couldn’t handle the pressure of replacing Kante or compete with the likes of Declan Rice. His first season saw 35 Premier League appearances, 1 goal, and 4 assists, but his 6.95 WhoScored rating reflected inconsistency.

Caicedo admitted the pressure of being “the new Kante” affected him. A turning point came in May 2024, when his stunning halfway-line goal against Bournemouth signaled growing confidence. Under Pochettino, signs of progress emerged, but it was Enzo Maresca’s arrival in June 2024 that unlocked Caicedo’s potential.

RELATED STORIES

Enzo Maresca: How Italian tactical maestro has reshaped Chelsea

Ranking the best Defensive Midfielders in 2024/25 EPL Campaign

Playing styles of Caicedo

Caicedo’s evolution into a world-class No. 6 stems from his versatile, high-energy style, blending defensive tenacity with progressive passing. At 5’10” and right-footed, ⁰he excels as a holding midfielder, often on the right of Chelsea’s double pivot. His 3.2 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per 90 in 2024/25, ranking among the Premier League’s top midfielders, resembles Kante’s ball-winning ability, according to Sofascore. Unlike Kante, Caicedo’s 1.8 key passes per 90 and 7.24 Sofascore rating showcase his ability to initiate attacks, as seen in assists for Nicolas Jackson against West Ham and Liverpool. His “machine-like” energy, praised by teammates, allows box-to-box strikes, covering 11.2 km per game.

Maresca’s structured 4-2-3-1 improved Caicedo’s role, emphasizing sharp interceptions and quick transitions. His adaptability shone when deployed as a hybrid right-back against Liverpool, where he neutralized Cody Gakpo with agile defending and precise passing. Compared to Rodri and Declan Rice, Caicedo’s 116 passes and 10 possessions won against Benfica in the Club World Cup set a Chelsea record since Jorginho in 2022. However, his 10 yellow cards in 2024/25, including a dissent booking against Benfica, highlight occasional indiscipline, according to The Guardian.

2024/25 records and statistics

2024/25 season for Caicedo was a revelation, cementing his status as Chelsea’s least replaceable player. He started all 38 Premier League matches, a feat unmatched since Cesar Azpilicueta in 2018/19, logging 3,420 minutes, according to PremierLeague.com. His stats include: 2 goals (1 vs. Manchester United, 1 vs. Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final). 4 assists including key passes to Jackson. 122 tackles, the most among Club World Cup midfielders (12 in 4 games). 80 interceptions, second only to Rice in the Premier League, according to Sofascore. 89.2% pass completion, with 219 progressive passes and a 7.24 Sofascore rating, third behind Palmer (7.64) and Enzo Fernandez (7.31).

In the Club World Cup, Caicedo started three of four games, missing the Palmeiras quarterfinal due to a dissent suspension. His 116 passes and 10 possessions won against Benfica were pivotal. Despite an ankle injury in the Fluminense semifinal, he trained and started the 3-0 final win over PSG. His durability, missing no games through injury since December 2023 earned him the nickname “indestructible,” according to The Guardian.

What Caicedo has achieved

Caicedo’s 2024/25 season was laden with accolades. He won Chelsea’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards, voted by fans and teammates. His stoppage-time goal in the 4-1 UEFA Conference League final victory over Real Betis on May 28, 2025, sealed Chelsea’s first European trophy since 2021. In the Club World Cup, he was instrumental in Chelsea’s £90.3 million triumph, starting in the 3-0 final win over PSG. Internationally, Caicedo’s 50+ caps for Ecuador include a goal in the 2022 World Cup, making him the youngest Ecuadorian scorer at the tournament.

His earlier accolades include Brighton’s 2022/23 Player of the Season and Players’ Player awards, and a U-20 Copa Libertadores title with Independiente del Valle, where he outshone Enzo Fernandez’s River Plate, according to ChelseaFC.com. “I’d put my house on him becoming one of the best midfielders in the world,” said teammate Levi Colwill.

The turnaround for Caicedo

The transformation of Caicedo was driven by Maresca’s tactical clarity and trust. Unlike Pochettino’s fluid system, Maresca’s structured approach gave Caicedo a defined No. 6 role, reducing errors and maximizing his defensive and passing strengths. His partnership with Fernandez, praised for its world-class synergy, was key. Caicedo’s humility downplaying his status as a top midfielder while joking about his table tennis prowess, made football fans to love him.

Fan sentiment on social media shifted dramatically. Early criticism, like “expensive flop” jibe, gave way to praise, lauding his “masterclass” against Manchester United. His £150,000-per-week, eight-year contract, with a net worth of £2 million, reflects his value. However, his long-term deal could deter future moves.

Despite his stellar season, Caicedo’s 10 yellow cards, including a costly Club World Cup suspension, highlight a need for discipline. His £115 million fee, once mocked by opposition fans, is now seen as justified. At 23, Caicedo’s potential is vast, with Maresca comparing him to Rodri. His durability faces challenges from a congested schedule, with FIFPRO warning of burnout risks.

RELATED STORIES

Five important transfer market rules every football fan must know

Geovany Quenda: What fans can expect from 17-year old Sporting talent move to Chelsea

Conclusion

The journey of Moises Caicedo from a £115 million “flop” to Chelsea’s star player is a testament to his resilience and Maresca’s coaching. His 2024/25 stats: 2 goals, 4 assists, 122 tackles, and a 7.24 Sofascore rating shows his transformation into a world-class No. 6. Achievements like the UEFA Conference League title and Club World Cup glory, coupled with his defensive tenacity and growing attacking output, have erased doubts. Fans now celebrate him as “a complete midfielder.” With his best years ahead, Caicedo is set to fulfill prophecy and become one of the world’s elite midfielders, cementing his legacy at Chelsea.