Moises Caicedo was extremely busy last season as a key player for Chelsea, and it looks like he’s not getting much rest over the summer months either.
Moises Caicedo played 90 minutes on Friday as Ecuador recorded a 0-0 draw against Brazil in a World Cup qualifier.
The 23-year-old midfielder will soon be linking up with Chelsea for the Club World Cup tournament, which runs from mid-June to mid-July.
Caicedo received an incredible welcome from Ecuador’s players after recently winning the Conference League with the Blues. The South Americans play Peru next Wednesday in another World Cup qualifier before the Club World Cup kicks off.
Photo by RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP via Getty Images
Brazil fans blown away by Moises Caicedo display
In a dull goalless draw between Ecuador and Brazil, Caicedo still managed to stand out with a combative performance in the centre of the park.
Even Brazil fans on X agreed that the Chelsea star was the best midfielder on the pitch during the international fixture.
One fan wrote: “Today, does Brazil have any midfielder better than Caicedo, any centre-back better than Pacho, or any full-back better than Estupinan? Brutal, Ecuador produces better than us.”
“Caicedo is better than our entire midfield combined. We’ve turned into Bolivia,” another commented.
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One supporter posted: “Ecuador has a better defence than ours. And Caicedo is by far the best midfielder in the game.”
“Caicedo, on the other hand, had the game in his pocket,” another claimed
One fan shared: “Caicedo is really good, he’s dominating Brazil’s midfield.”
“Brazil desperately needs a midfielder like Caicedo. Our midfield is non-existent,” another said.
Photo by MARCOS PIN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by MARCOS PIN/AFP via Getty Images
John Terry claims Caicedo has been “superb” for Chelsea after growing in stature at the club, and we agree that he’s taken his game on to a new level.
Like with Ecuador, the defensive midfielder is a key figure in the starting line-up for the Blues. It’s no coincidence that he’s the only Chelsea player that started every Premier League match last season.
Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez paid Caicedo the ultimate compliment by describing him as the world’s best defensive midfielder right now.
Impressive Moises Caicedo statistics vs Brazil
Brazil’s central midfield against Ecuador included Flamengo’s Gerson, Manchester United’s Casemiro and Newcastle United’s Guimaraes. However, they ran into a brick wall in the shape of Caicedo.
Here is how the Chelsea midfielder performed in the World Cup qualifier.
Minutes played Touches Accurate passes Chances created Tackles won Duels won Duels lost Dribbled past Match rating
90 106 83/88 (94%) 3 2/2 (100%) 5 5 0 7.5
Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo statistics vs Brazil via FOTMOB
Caicedo is viewed as ‘unsellable’ by Chelsea’s hierarchy, which is something that will relieve supporters.
The club are very fortunate to have the Rolls-Royce midfielder at Stamford Bridge, but it would be good if he got a chance to recharge his batteries at some stage before next season.