Former Premier League star Jamie O’Hara thinks Chelsea player Moises Caicedo can be more than just a defensive midfielder.
It is a position that Caicedo is currently thriving in, though the 23-year-old has looked more like a box-to-box midfielder at times this season.
For example, he has already scored three goals in the Premier League without neglecting his defensive responsibilities.
The next step for Caicedo is to maintain consistency, according to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.
Jamie O'Hara attends the 2024 TCA Winter Press Tour
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Jamie O’Hara suggests Moises Caicedo can play as a more advanced midfielder
Gary Neville is a fan of Caicedo, recently hailing him as the best midfielder in the Premier League. O’Hara shares that sentiment, and after watching Caicedo this term, he has suggested that the Ecuadorian could play further forward.
Discussing Caicedo on Sky Sports, the former Tottenham Hotspur player said: “People see him as a holding midfielder, a sitting midfielder like [Claude] Makelele and players like that, but he can play higher up the pitch, he can make runs into the box to get on the end of things and he can strike a ball. For me now, Caicedo is the best midfielder in the league.”
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Caicedo is not the only Chelsea midfielder to be praised by a Sky Sports pundit recently. Midfield partner Enzo Fernandez is also earning rave reviews right now.
According to Jamie Redknapp, Fernandez was “magnificent” against Liverpool last weekend, helping the Blues to beat their rivals 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has been given the freedom to roam forward and has even started in the No.10 position this season.
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Enzo Maresca cannot afford to give Moises Caicedo too much of an attacking licence
In recent weeks, Caicedo has certainly shown that he has something to offer in the attacking third of the pitch.
Perhaps Enzo Maresca could be tempted to use him in a more offensive role going forward. It may not be wise, though, especially considering how leaky Chelsea’s defence has been in the current campaign.
Red cards have not helped, but it is a young backline that needs someone like Caicedo protecting it regardless.
Really, then, you want Caicedo in his own half. That being said, there is nothing wrong with him popping up with a screamer now and again, especially against one of Chelsea’s rivals like Liverpool.