Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly - Source: Getty
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly - Source: Getty
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has opened up on the area where every coach wants him to improve. The Ecuador international revealed that coaches have always told him to talk more on the pitch since he has good leadership qualities inside him.
Caicedo has enjoyed a stop-start beginning to the ongoing season. He missed Chelsea's opening game against Fulham due to a knock before coming off the bench and playing 14 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion in the second outing. However, Caicedo was sidelined again with a calf injury and missed three more Premier League matches.
The 24-year-old was included in the starting line-up for the first time this season last Saturday, when Chelsea beat Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge. Caicedo produced an excellent display in midfield as he clocked 72 minutes before being substituted.
After his return to the starting eleven, Caicedo has reflected on his time at Chelsea. The midfielder acknowledges the fact that he can be a better player, if he takes up more leadership responsibility on the pitch.
As many coaches have told him before, Caicedo knows he has a leader inside him but admits that sometimes it does not come naturally to him, since it's not in his nature to be very talkative.
He told the club's official website:
"I think every coach tells me that I can improve talking on the pitch, you know? Because they know that I'm a leader, but it will be better for me if I start talking more with the players. I try my best, but it’s not in my nature. So when I'm not able to talk, I just try to show even more."
Caicedo pointed to how Thiago Silva was an excellent example of a leader at Chelsea. With him being named as one of the captains of the club this season, Caicedo also added that he wants to set an example for his teammates on the pitch.
"You learn from the previous ones, like Thiago Silva. He was an example for us. He tried to help us in every moment. How he was a leader here was amazing for all of us.
"Now being one of the captains is a pleasure for me, and a special feeling for my family. Even if I’m not a player who likes to talk a lot, I like to show through what I do, so others can see my example."
Chelsea are back in action on Saturday, when they travel to Merseyside for a clash with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Chelsea need Caicedo to remain fit during tricky October run
Xabi Alonso will hope Caicedo can remain fully fit during the club's tricky run of fixtures in the coming weeks. After the clash against Everton, Chelsea face Tottenham at home in the Premier League.
The London derby will be followed by a trip to face Liverpool at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The west London club then face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge to wrap up a busy couple of weeks.
The Blues are currently sixth in the table with 10 points from their six games.