“He’ll Be the Best in the World!” – Former Bundesliga Coach Makes Bold Prediction About Chelsea Star Moises Caicedo
Ex-Hoffenheim Manager Showers Praise on Moises Caicedo, Says Chelsea Midfielder Is on Track to Become the Best Defensive Midfielder in the World.
Former Hoffenheim and Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has made a huge claim about Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, saying the Ecuador international has what it takes to become the best defensive midfielder in the world.
Caicedo, 23, played a key role for Chelsea last season, starting every single Premier League match as the Blues finished strongly and secured a return to the Champions League. It was a massive turnaround for both player and club, considering how difficult the beginning of the 2023/24 season was for them.
The midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in a record-breaking deal worth around £115 million, didn’t have the smoothest start to life at Stamford Bridge. In his first few months, Caicedo looked off the pace and sometimes overwhelmed by the pressure of his price tag. But once he settled in, his quality began to shine through — and by the second half of the season, he had become one of the most reliable and dominant players on the pitch.
Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who took over at the beginning of last season, Caicedo seems to have found another gear entirely. He’s not just one of Chelsea’s most important players — he’s starting to look like one of the best in the world in his position.
“He’s amazing,” Matarazzo told The Athletic. “If I had a dream team, Caicedo would definitely be a part of that. For me, he will be the best No.6 in the world.”
The praise didn’t stop there. Matarazzo, who has managed top German clubs like Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, said watching Caicedo play for Chelsea was exciting and even emotional. “Oh man, the way he plays… it’s just incredible,” he added.
And he’s not alone in thinking that. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also publicly praised Caicedo last season, calling him one of the world’s top midfielders.
A Season to Remember
Caicedo’s performances in the 2023/24 season were simply outstanding. He played all 38 Premier League matches — something that very few midfielders manage due to the physical demands of the league. His presence in the middle of the park gave Chelsea a strong defensive backbone, and his ability to break up opposition attacks and start forward moves was a huge part of the team’s success.
He also scored a vital goal in the UEFA Conference League final, helping the Blues secure silverware in Europe. On top of that, he played a massive role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph, putting in another dominant display in the final.
These moments have not only boosted his confidence but also shown the world exactly why Chelsea broke the bank to sign him. Caicedo has now proven that he’s worth every penny — and he’s still only 23.
Chelsea’s Midfield Revolution
Caicedo may be the standout name, but he’s not alone in Chelsea’s midfield. The Blues have built a powerful and exciting engine room that could dominate for years to come.
World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez has continued to grow into his role and has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Then there’s Romeo Lavia, who missed most of last season through injury but is back and ready to compete.
Meanwhile, Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos has returned from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg. He even featured during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign and is expected to play a bigger role in the squad next season. Another name to keep an eye on is Dario Essugo, a highly-rated teenager who has been training with the senior squad.
With such depth and youth, Chelsea may now have one of the most exciting midfield groups in all of Europe.
What’s Next for Caicedo?
The big question now is: How much better can Caicedo get?
He has already made his mark in English football, shown his worth on the international stage with Ecuador, and earned the respect of top coaches across Europe. If he continues on this path under Maresca, it’s hard to argue against Matarazzo’s bold prediction.
Being called the “best No.6 in the world” is no small claim. But with his ability to read the game, his tireless running, precise tackling, and improved passing range, Caicedo is already knocking on the door of that title.
And with Chelsea now heading back to the Champions League, there will be more opportunities for him to prove himself against Europe’s best. If he continues performing like he did last season — there’s no telling just how high he can climb.
