Moises Caicedo is proving to be as good a tackler as N’Golo Kante, but he is also starting to come across as humble as the former Chelsea star.
Caicedo is one of the best midfielders in the world at the minute, and that was evident during the week as he helped Chelsea to beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League.
Declan Rice recently praised Caicedo ahead of Arsenal’s showdown against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
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Reece James scores for Chelsea vs Arsenal
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However, the Ecuadorian has been quick to dismiss the notion that he is the best player in his position.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo on the floor
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Chelsea star Moises Caicedo claims there are ‘many’ midfielders better than him
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Caicedo was asked if he is the world’s No.1 midfielder. In response, he said: “No. So many [are better]. I don’t want to say to the world that I’m the best because there’s no truth to that.
“In my mind, I’m the best version of myself, if you know what I mean? It’s different when you say you are the best in the world to the world. There are so many good players in my position. I’m doing my best. But I need to show more because I feel like I can do more. With goals, with assists, I can feel it.”
Clearly, then, the 24-year-old still thinks he can grow and improve. It is a sentiment that Chelsea legend Claude Makelele is likely to share.
Makelele recently ranked some of Chelsea’s midfielders from the past and present, placing himself, Michael Essien and Kante all above Caicedo.
Given that the Ecuador international is still only 24, though, he has plenty of time to develop into an even better player and surpass the likes of Makelele and Kante.
In his interview with the Daily Mail, Caicedo also spoke about the all comparisons being made between himself and Rice going into Sunday’s London derby.
“People compare him and myself but I’m so happy he’s doing really well,” he said. “I enjoy watching him play because he’s so good. I want to play against the best defensive and attacking midfielders in the world and he’s one of them. I’m waiting. It’s nice that people compare us, but we are not fighting. He wants to do well. I’m going to fight. I’m ready. Everybody is ready. I’m looking forward to it.”
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo clapping
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Moises Caicedo is a top three midfielder
Again, Caicedo is being quite humble, as it is just not possible to come up with a list of midfielders who are superior to him.
Right now, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man may just be the best midfielder in the world. And if he is not, he is definitely in the top three.
This season, Caicedo has looked like the complete package. Winning the ball back is still his strongest attribute.
According to WhoScored, the Chelsea man is making 3.1 tackles per game in the Premier League, putting him in the top 10 players for that department. However, he is also starting to score goals, already netting three. Last term, Caicedo scored just once in 38 games, showing just how much he has improved and how well-rounded he has become.