Between the two boxes, there is no better player in world football than Moises Caicedo.
That's the view of Chelsea legend Joe Cole, who believes the Ecuadorian midfielder should be their first name in the starting XI.
Caicedo has stamped his mark as one of the best players at Chelsea
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Caicedo has stamped his mark as one of the best players at ChelseaCredit: Getty
After a slow start to life at the Blues since his £115million move from Brighton, Caicedo has continuously excelled for the west Londoners.
He played a vital role in their 1-0 win over Tottenham as he pressed to win back the ball and assist Joao Pedro during the first half.
Caicedo is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League alongside Arsenal star Declan Rice.
But Cole believes his quality tops the lot on a global scale, so much so that his nine-figure transfer sum in 2023 looks a bargain for Chelsea.
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Joe Cole calls Chelsea star Moises Caicedo the best midfielder in the WORLD!
"I think he's certainly knocking on the door and possibly, he could be the no. 1," he said on talkSPORT Breakfast while promoting his new book Luxury Player.
"I remember watching him at Brighton and I thought to myself, 'Between the two boxes, I think he's the best midfielder in the world'.
"In the modern game, when so much of it's about patterns of play and winning yardage, breaking the lines, he's the best at that.
"Breaking up play, he's got great technique and I thought, 'But can he score goals?' And now he's adding goals into his game. Also, at the other end of the pitch, he's becoming more of a leader.
"I think he's the most important player at Chelsea in terms of, if we had a cup final tomorrow, I'd want his name on the teamsheet before anyone else.
"I think he's brilliant, and that £100million now is looking like a snip."
Caicedo helped the Blues to down Spurs in their London derby
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Caicedo helped the Blues to down Spurs in their London derbyCredit: Getty
Joe Cole appearing on talkSPORT.
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Cole has lauded Caicedo and his world-class abilityCredit: talkSPORT
Moises magic
Similar to Chelsea legend N'Golo Kante, Caicedo regularly covers all areas of the pitch in both attacking and defensive scenarios.
He has made 25 interceptions in the Premier League this season, the most out of any player.
Caicedo also has a 73.1 per cent success rate in dribblers tackled, and completed 90.8 per cent of his 576 attempted passes.
These statistics further back his status as one of the top midfielders in the country, with ex-Blue Jason Cundy also a huge fan of his.
"He is the best at winning the ball back in the Premier League, no one can touch him," he said on The Sports Bar.
"Winning the ball, he wins balls he shouldn't win, he gets to balls he shouldn't win, he's an absolute machine."
Moises Caicedo statistics graphic.
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Caicedo has been excellent in the Premier League this season
Caicedo's Chelsea future
With Caicedo producing standout performances week in, week out, it's not surprising to see that he has interest from elsewhere.
The 24-year-old has been linked with Real Madrid, but sources close to him have told talkSPORT he is not looking to leave Chelsea.
Chelsea are also not willing to listen to offers for Caicedo, who has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031.
He is expected to be rewarded for his efforts with improved terms, a plan that has been in place since the end of last season.
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Chelsea have an incentive-driven structure that offers performance-related wage increases without the need to renegotiate entirely.
Caicedo has now made 112 appearances for the club and tallied seven goals, as well as 11 assists.
Moises Caicedo for Chelsea against Liverpool.
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Caicedo is currently on course for legendary status at ChelseaCredit: Getty