One criticism of Chelsea this season is that their squad is too young and inexperienced.
It is a point that can definitely be argued. So far, Chelsea have picked up seven red cards, a sign of ill-discipline.
A Chelsea side with more experience would probably not have received as many sending-offs at this stage of the campaign.
What does Moises Caicedo need to do to enter the Kante conversation?
Or is it a bridge too far?
N'Golo Kante with PL trophy for Chelsea
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Even their very best players are still young, which includes the likes of Estevao Willian and Moises Caicedo. That has not stopped them from performing, though, with Estevao scoring an excellent goal against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Liam Rosenior, coach of Chelsea, and Moises Caicedo of Chelsea participate in a press conference
Photo by Ciro De Luca/NurPhoto via Getty Images
At 24, Caicedo is not exactly a hot prospect, but Liam Rosenior still views him as a young player.
At the same time, though, the Chelsea head coach thinks the midfielder has the maturity and understanding of a footballer who is in his mid-30s.
“I have a background at Brighton, so I know everything about his career,” Rosenior was quoted as saying by Chelsea’s official club website. “The scary thing is that yes, he is young, but he sometimes plays like he is 35 years old because his understanding of the game is top.”
START, BENCH, SELL: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Reece James
Chelsea's top three players, but you can only start one! This should be interesting đź‘€
Cole Palmer of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Caicedo’s understanding of the game is elite, which is why the Ecuadorian is able to make so many interceptions. He can read other midfielders and attackers extremely well.
According to the Premier League’s official website, Caicedo has made a total of 40 interceptions this season.
However, he can be overzealous with his tackling at times. It is one thing that the former Brighton player can work on.
As well as Caicedo, Rosenior also appears to be a fan of Estevao, hailing his performances under him so far as “outstanding”.
Liam Rosenior, Manager of Chelsea, acknowledges the fans
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo’s contract situation at Chelsea
With a contract until 2031, Caicedo will spend his best years at Chelsea. It is a long deal, but it looks like the Ecuador international wants an even better one.
According to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Caicedo is keen to discuss a new contract with Chelsea.
Caicedo is one of Chelsea’s best players and one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. At some stage, he will probably get what he is looking for.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox