Moises Caicedo’s status as Ecuador’s biggest name was only enhanced when the Chelsea man captained his country to a 2-0 win over New Zealand.
Chelsea had limited representatives leave the club during the international break, however Caicedo was the only one who made the long-haul flight to South America.
Chelsea fans will have been hoping that he would have been in for a rest due to both games being friendly matches, however this didn’t occur.
The midfielder played both sets of 90 minutes, despite the fact that Enzo Maresca has stressed Caicedo needs a rest due to the minutes he has played this season.
Ecuador v New Zealand - International Friendly
Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images
Chelsea fans fume as Moises Caicedo plays another 90 minutes for Ecuador
While it was clearly a great honour for the midfielder to be named captain of his country, Chelsea supporters have taken to social media to share their discontent to see him complete 180 minutes over the international break.
One user said: “Cucurella back to back 90’ for Spain. Zero rest. Caicedo back to back starts for Ecuador. Estevao back to back starts for Brazil, played the full 90’ today. None of them will start vs Burnley then, pretty much 99% confirmed.”
Cucurella back to back 90’ for Spain. Zero rest. Caicedo back to back starts for Ecuador.
Estevao back to back starts for Brazil, played the full 90’ today.
None of them will start vs Burnley then, pretty much 99% confirmed.
— GeorgeCFC (@GeorgeMouta) November 19, 2025
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Another added: “The coaches should leave out the big boys for friendlies. What is the use of exhausting top players with friendlies.”
A third stated: “This is why clubs look to pull players out from playing for the national sides. No thought for the players fitness and well being. Coupled with all the long haul travel.”
Finally, one user claimed: “Absolute joke. You have 2 set ups who have absolutely no concern for each other and in the middle you have the players who inevitably are the ones who suffer.”
Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring for Ecuador against Senegal at the 2022 World Cup.
Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Caicedo’s brilliant stats during Ecuador vs New Zealand
While Chelsea fans won’t have wanted to see him in action, they will at least be pleased to hear he performed very well during their victory over New Zealand.
Moises Caicedo vs New Zealand Total
Minutes 90
Chances Created 4
Passes into final third 11
Recoveries 8
Shots 1
Completed Passes 73/79
The Ecuadorian’s ability to create chances is frequently something that gets underrated in his game due to how good his defensive work is.
A frequent comparison made is between the Chelsea man and Declan Rice, and Blues supporters are hoping that he is on top form by the time the two meet at Stamford Bridge next Saturday.