Enzo Maresca believes Moises Caicedo is on the same level as the likes of Rodri and Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Chelsea signed Caicedo in the summer of 2023 for a British record fee of £115million after battling with Liverpool for the Ecuadorian's signature. After a relatively slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, Caicedo really came into his own as his debut campaign with the club progressed.
This season, the Ecuador international has improved even more and has arguably been the Blues' most consistent performer in a very impressive start under new head coach Maresca. Such form produced by Caicedo has seen him lauded by many as the best midfielder in the Premier League.
Rodri is usually the first name on people's lips when it comes to that discussion but the Manchester City midfielder is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee problem. Another contender is Rice of Arsenal, who has been superb for the Gunners since moving to the Emirates Stadium in the same summer as Caicedo switched from Brighton to west London.
“He is for sure now at that level," Maresca explained when asked if Caicedo is on the same level as Rodri and Rice. "No doubt. Unfortunately, Rodri is injured but Declan is playing. But I think Moises can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder.”
Caicedo is expected to start on Sunday afternoon as Chelsea make the short trip to face Tottenham in the Premier League. Spurs have been an unpredictable side this season; beating the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United but losing away at Bournemouth on Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou has come in for plenty of criticism from Tottenham supporters with many feeling he does not have a 'plan B' if things are not going his way. However, Maresca understands why his opposite number may not be so quick to change the way his Spurs side are playing in matches.
"You can change the structure but you maintain the same principles," the Chelsea head coach explained. "We usually change our structure or game plan depending on the opponent.
"The Brighton game, it was one way, and against Aston Villa, completely different. You cannot use the same plan for both games. Brighton were high-pressing and they leave a lot of space in behind.
"Villa, they were low block, just waiting, so if you do the same plan for both games, probably one of them is not the right one. I try to adjust our plan depending on how the other team attack or defend."