Chelsea star defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo was finally back in the starting lineup after several weeks out with a calf injury, and he was monstrous next to new signing Jordan Henderson as the Blues blew out the Cherries 5-1.
Everyone around Chelsea has been praising Caicedo highly, and now pundit Paul Merson, a former Arsenal star, has joined in by effusively praising the Ecuadorian defensive midfielder on Sky Sports:
“When you’ve got Henderson and Caicedo in there, they can just sit, and you just let the other three just get on with it. They shouldn’t let in too many goals, they shouldn’t be that open, because you’ve got them two that can hold in midfield and then you’ve got three that are as good as anything. Henderson’s got the experience and Caicedo, for me, is the best holding midfield player in the world of football. So for me, you get them two holding, and that’s your insurance policy. And just let the others go and play.”
The best holding midfielder player in the world of football. Arsenal fans won’t be happy with that when they have Declan Rice, and Rodri will have a bone to pick, too, but Chelsea fans will love Merson’s hot take.
And Caicedo definitely helped his case on his return with nine combined tackles, interceptions, and clearances, as well as three fouls drawn, as he and Hendo totally shut down shop for the Blues.
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THE TRIVELA EFFECT
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.