Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called Moises Caicedo the best defensive midfielder in the world after his stellar display in Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League derby win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Afrosport reports.
The 24-year-old Ecuadorian did not put a foot wrong all game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as he assisted Joao Pedro for the only goal in the first half while he was rock solid in the middle of park in breaking Spurs’ chance of finding a goal.
Maresca, reacting to the former Brighton & Hove Albion player’s performance, said he was up their with 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
“Moi, I think he’s showing how good he is. He’s top, the Italian said.
“I said many times, the best thing from Moi, for sure, we judge him inside the pitch, but he’s so humble, he’s such a good guy, he’s always there to help everyone.
“And I just said to the television interviewer that for me, him and [Manchester City’s] Rodri, in this moment, they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world.”
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Another player that impressed Maresca was captain Recce James, who alternates playing as a midfielder and right-back.
“I think Reece is doing fantastic when he’s playing as a midfielder, he’s doing fantastic when he’s playing full-back, and he’s doing fantastic in terms of leadership with the players inside the changing room,” he added.
Chelsea are tied on 17 points with Spurs, Sunderland and Manchester United, and will next travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League.
