"Showing everyone his true quality" - Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter praises Blues midfielder for his recent performances
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has spoken about the performances of midfielder Moises Caicedo for the Blues, pointing out that he has found his feet. The Ecuador international featured under the English manager at Brighton & Hove Albion, with both of them ending up at Stamford Bridge afterwards.
Caicedo was a target for many of England's top sides in 2023, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and the Blues, after shining with the Seagulls. The 22-year-old ended up at Stamford Bridge after a lengthy saga in the summer of 2023 for a Premier League-record fee of £115 million.
Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter was the manager responsible for sanctioning the signing of the tenacious midfielder at the Amex Stadium from Independiente del Valle. Caicedo spent a brief spell on loan in Belgium with Germinal Beerschot before returning to the Seagulls.
The manager recently spoke via the BBC about the struggles of the midfielder at the start of his career with the Blues. He likened his struggles to the same ones he faced when he moved to Brighton in 2021. He said via Daily Mail:
"It feels like Chelsea are starting to see the real Moises Caicedo, and I am not surprised their results have improved now he is doing so well.
"The way it began for him with us at Brighton was similar to what happened when he first joined Chelsea, in that it felt like he has had to suffer and dig in before coming out the other side and showing everyone his true quality.
"Moises has had to cope with a lot of criticism of his £115m price tag, and also criticism of him personally as a player in terms of what he has given to the team, so it's no wonder he admitted he lost some confidence."
Moises Caicedo himself admitted that he had to deal with a loss of confidence at the start of his Chelsea career. The 22-year-old has turned the corner and is one of the first names on the team sheet at the club, presently.
He has started every game for Enzo Maresca's side in the Premier League this season as they sit in fourth. The young midfielder also featured for the side in their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff against Servette.
Chelsea set to welcome captain back as Premier League resumes
Chelsea are set to have captain Reece James back with their squad for their Premier League clash against Liverpool this weekend. The English right-back has been out of action since pre-season with a hamstring problem.
James has struggled with injuries in each of the last two seasons, featuring only 10 times in the Premier League in the 2023-24 season. The 24-year-old featured in pre-season before picking up his injury in the last game of their USA tour against Manchester City.
The Blues have found France U-21 international Malo Gusto to be a reliable replacement for James in his time out injured. The Englishman is expected to be in the squad for their clash against Liverpool on October 20 and will likely get some minutes at Anfield.
