- 15 hours ago
Potter heaps praise on 'world class' Caicedo
Cameron Smith
- 18 Oct 2024 09:30 BST
- 4 min read
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has hailed Moises Caicedo’s character as “world class” following the Ecuadorian’s impressive start to the new campaign.
Caicedo spent 18 months with Potter during their time together at Brighton & Hove Albion and the 22-year-old has now hit his stride at Chelsea after a difficult first few months at Stamford Bridge.
The pair never crossed paths in west London, but Potter believes Caicedo has been an excellent signing for the Blues.
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The Ecuador international has started all seven of Chelsea’s Premier League games so far this season, with Enzo Maresca trusting the ex-Brighton star to provide protection for Chelsea’s exciting front four of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson.
Caicedo still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge and he is expected to become a stalwart for Chelsea over the next few seasons.
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What has Graham Potter said?
In a column for BBC Sport, Potter explained what makes Caicedo such a special player.
“I would describe his character as world class, and I am sure it has made a difference for him at Chelsea too.
“Moises is a mix of someone who wants to learn and improve, but is also highly intelligent anyway. The way he approaches things is the perfect combination for a manager or coach to work with, and because of that I always thought his future was extremely bright.
“I've not spoken to him for a while, but I'd be amazed if he had changed, just because of how grounded he was when he was playing for me.”
Potter continued: “When people talk about team players, well, that's Moises - he just wants to do the best he can for his team. Of course he is a better player when the team is functioning well, but he will make everyone else better too.
“He is not the guy who is going to dribble past 10 players, or try something flash.
Current ETV
Moisés Caicedo
DM (C)
Chelsea
Moisés Caicedo
DM (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€33.4M - €55.7M
“He is physical, he wins the ball for you and he keeps things simple when he has got it, although he has got quality too - look at the through ball he played for Nicolas Jackson to score against West Ham a couple of weeks ago.
“The impact he has on the team goes beyond most of the stats that are shown for midfielders, because they don't wholly reflect his role and influence on the team.
“I am really pleased to see him flourishing the way he is,” Potter added. “He has seen his difficult periods out, without going under, and has kept on being himself - wanting the ball, winning the ball, and doing the right things.
“This is just the start for him, but he and Chelsea are already seeing the rewards of his hard work.”
