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Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has named Ngolo Kante and Claude Makalele as two players who inspired him to become a professional footballer. He made this known during an interview with the club's official website, as he reflected on his journey to becoming a Blues player.
The Ecuadorian international became the most expensive footballer in Premier League history after securing a world-record £115 million transfer move to Stamford Bridge last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Caicedo, 23, endured a difficult start to life at Chelsea in his first season at the club, as he struggled to live up to the hefty transfer fee the Blues paid for his services in the summer of 2023.
However, under new head coach Enzo Maresca, the Ecuadorian international is gradually living up to his potential as he is arguably one of Chelsea's most important players this season.
Reflecting on his journey to becoming a professional footballer, Caicedo named two former Blues' stars as his big inspiration, telling the club's official website:
"I always supported Chelsea because N’Golo Kante played for Chelsea and he was my inspiration, he and Claude Makelele. I didn’t watch Makelele live but I would watch videos of him. I grew up watching them and they were my inspiration to become a professional player.”
Kante made 269 appearances for the Blues across competitions, scoring 13 goals. He won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup and the Europa League with the west London outfit.
Makelele made 217 appearances across competitions for the club, scoring two goals in the process. He won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups with the Blues.
"He’s now at that level" - Enzo Maresca says Chelsea midfielder is among the best in the Premier League
The Italian tactician believes that Caicedo can be considered one of the best players in his position in the league. The Ecuadorian is currently enjoying a brilliant 2024-25 football campaign with Chelsea, who are currently second in the Premier League table.
Following a handful of impressive displays in midfield for the west London giants this season, Caicedo has attracted comparisons with midfield stars such as Rodri and Declan Rice.
While both players are widely regarded as two of the best players in their position, Blues' head coach, Maresca, believes that it is quite fair to now place Caicedo on the same level as Rodri and Rice.
Speaking about the Ecuadorian midfielder, Maresca said (via the club's official website):
'For sure, he’s now at that level, no doubt. Unfortunately, now Rodri has an injury, but Declan is playing and I think Moi can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder.’
Caicedo has so far made a total of 19 appearances for the Blues this season across competitions, scoring one goal and registering two assists. Next up for Caicedo and his club side will be a Premier League clash against London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
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Edited by Ritwik Kumar