London, November 2, 2025 – In a bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League and beyond, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has boldly declared that his star midfielder Moises Caicedo is one of the two best defensive midfielders on the planet right now – alongside Manchester City's Rodri. Yes, you read that right: the £115 million man from Ecuador, who once struggled to justify his record-breaking price tag, is now being hailed as elite by his Italian boss after a masterful display in Chelsea's gritty 1-0 derby win over Tottenham Hotspur. This isn't just coach speak – it's a statement that's igniting fierce debates across football forums, X (formerly Twitter), and pundit panels. Is Caicedo really on Rodri's level? Has the 23-year-old finally silenced his doubters? And what does this mean for the Premier League's midfield hierarchy, where Arsenal's Declan Rice has long been in the conversation? Buckle up, because this story is exploding faster than Caicedo's lung-busting runs!The Moment That Sparked the FirestormThe comments came hot off the heels of Chelsea's hard-fought victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 1. Joao Pedro's first-half strike – assisted by a rampaging Caicedo – sealed the three points, propelling the Blues temporarily into the top four and marking their seventh win in nine visits to Spurs' home.
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But it was the Ecuadorian's all-action performance that stole the show: seven possessions won, four interceptions, 15 final-third passes, and two key ball recoveries in the build-up to the goal. He bossed the midfield like a seasoned general, shutting down Spurs' attacks and launching Chelsea's counters with pinpoint precision. Post-match, Maresca didn't hold back in his press conference. "Moi is showing how good he is. He's top," the Chelsea boss gushed. "I said many times, the best thing from Moi for sure, we judge him inside the pitch, but he's so humble, he's such a good guy, he's always there to help everyone. And I just said to the television interviewer that for me, him and [Manchester City's] Rodri, in this moment, they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world." Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp echoed the hype, going even further: "I'd go as far to say that right now, he [Caicedo] is the best of his type in world football." Even Joao Pedro, the match-winner, joked about owing Caicedo dinner for the assist. The praise was unanimous – Caicedo wasn't just good; he was unplayable.From Record Transfer Flop Fears to World-Class DominanceRewind to summer 2023: Chelsea smashed the British transfer record to pry Caicedo from Brighton for £115 million after a heated tug-of-war with Liverpool. Early days at Stamford Bridge were rocky – adaptation issues, injuries, and the weight of expectations led to whispers of "overhyped" or "another expensive flop." But under Maresca's tactical nous this season, the 23-year-old has transformed into a complete midfield destroyer.Stats don't lie: In 14 appearances across all competitions, Caicedo has notched four goals (his most productive campaign yet), while leading the Premier League in tackles won and interceptions in key matches. His partnership with Enzo Fernandez and the versatile Reece James in midfield has given Chelsea a defensive solidity that's been missing for years. Maresca even experimented with James in the No. 6 role against Spurs for extra physicality, but it was Caicedo who ran the show.Maresca's system – high pressing, quick transitions, and relentless off-ball work – plays perfectly to Caicedo's strengths: endless stamina, razor-sharp reading of the game, and the ability to win duels he has no business winning. "We needed that if you want to be close to the top," Maresca said of the team's defensive display. "You always need goals, but you also need to concede less." Rodri: The Benchmark – But Is Caicedo Closing the Gap?Rodri, the Ballon d'Or contender and Manchester City's undefeated linchpin, has long been the gold standard for defensive midfielders. His vision, passing range, and ability to control games from deep have made him indispensable – City famously struggle without him. But with Rodri sidelined by injury earlier this season, Caicedo has stepped into the spotlight.Comparisons are inevitable:
- Ball-winning: Caicedo edges it with raw tenacity – he's a "bully" in midfield, as one analyst put it.
- Distribution: Rodri's progressive passes and composure under pressure remain superior.
- Impact: Both are game-changers, but Caicedo's assist against Spurs highlighted his growing attacking threat.
