Robert Sanchez clearly does not feel that his Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo is just a good ball-winner.
Caicedo played a key role in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, making a couple of tackles before setting up Joao Pedro’s winner.
It is clear for everyone to see that Caicedo is excellent at regaining possession for his side.
However, Sanchez thinks there is so much more to the midfielder’s game than just tackles and interceptions.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo running
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Robert Sanchez highlights Moises Caicedo’s composure on the ball
Of course, Caicedo has scored a few goals this season and some very good ones, including his strike against Liverpool.
It is his calmness in possession, though, that Sanchez has made sure to mention following the Blues’ victory over Spurs.
“I don’t really need to talk about him but he’s an actual animal,” the goalkeeper was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror. “He’s the best player on the planet in his position.
“He’s one of the best in the world, who is better than him in that position? He’s a beast. Every 50-50, every challenge he wins and is so composed on the ball.”
Caicedo won the Player of the Match award for his performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Sanchez also had a very good game.
The Spaniard came out to catch every cross and corner. It was arguably his best display in a Chelsea shirt.
The Club World Cup winners’ next game is against Qarabag in the Champions League, but both Sanchez and Caicedo are likely to be rested for it. It means Filip Jorgensen and Romeo Lavia could come into the side. Andrey Santos is another midfield option and could replace either Caicedo or Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez giving Moises Caicedo a high five
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo’s passing numbers this season
Caicedo sees a lot of the ball when he is on the pitch for Chelsea. According to WhoScored, the Ecuadorian is completing 57.2 passes per game in the Premier League, which is one of the highest averages in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
His pass success rate is also over 90%, so Caicedo is clearly comfortable in possession, as Sanchez touched on.
This season, the Ecuador international has looked like a complete midfielder, and at 24, he should only get better. No one is talking about his £115m price tag any more.