Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Chelsea convinced they have a 20-year-old youngster who is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Chelsea convinced they have a 20-year-old youngster who is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
A graphic showing Jordan Henderson's match statistics (goals, assists, key passes and pass completion rate) against for Chelsea FC against Bournemouth. Image shows Jordan Henderson celebrating.
Credit: Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
After the game, Morgan Rogers praised Caicedo, hailing him the “best in the world”. Chelsea conceded just the one goal on Saturday, the first time that has happened in the Premier League this term.
It is not a coincidence that they conceded fewer goals compared to their other games the moment Caicedo returned. He is one of the best players in his position in the game. In fact, Paul Merson thinks Caicedo is the best defensive midfielder in the world right now.
Following the full-time whistle, Caicedo spoke about his return, admitting that he was tired after the game and that he needs to be careful after being out injured.
In a post-match interview, which has been posted by Chelsea’s official club website, the Ecuadorian said: “I felt a little bit tired after a long time without playing to be honest! I need to be careful, but I feel good.
“I enjoy being with the team, with the fans, with everybody. Now we want to keep working, keep pushing because we need to be up there.”
If he could, Alonso would start Caicedo in every game. But the Chelsea manager cannot afford to take any unnecessary risks with his star midfielder, especially with the Blues lacking his profile in their squad.
There is no one who can tackle and make interceptions like Caicedo. That became very evident in his absence.
There are similarities between Caicedo and AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara, but Chelsea could not get a deal for his services over the line on deadline day. Without Camara or another midfielder similar to Caicedo, another injury to the Ecuador international, and Chelsea could find themselves in serious trouble.
It is why Alonso needs to pay attention to what Caicedo has just said. If he is feeling tired or has some concerns about his fitness, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man needs to be taken out of the firing line.
There is no point in risking him and then being without such a key player for months.