Caicedo’s Clock Is Ticking: Makélélé Places Chelsea’s Midfield on World-Class Notice

Caicedo: Chelsea’s Next Big Thing

Chelsea legend Claude Makélélé has said that the club currently fields one of the world’s best midfielders, praising Ecuadorian Moisés Caicedo who has the tools to become the best in his position globally if he maintains his ambition and discipline.

In an interview with The Sun, Makélélé discussed Caicedo and compared Caicedo to Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

He explained that they are different players; you cannot compare them because each has his own style, but he prefers Caicedo’s approach.

Caicedo, in his view, is better than Rice simply because he plays for Chelsea.

He resembles N’Golo Kanté in his work ethic: doing the hard, unglamorous work in midfield, the kind of effort fans rarely see but which is essential to team success. He could become one of the world’s best if he keeps aiming high and demonstrates leadership.

What I like most is his happiness while playing; he loves his position and fights in a positive way, not a brutal one. He plays for the collective and often smiles, much like Kanté did, a picture that inspires young viewers.

Makélélé then spoke about Chelsea’s new project under Italian Enzo Maresca, built on a young, ambitious squad for the future.

I see Chelsea’s project as on the right track; at first people doubted it, as the team was full of youngsters, and some worried they would not compete for the Premier League.

But now things have changed; Chelsea has given everyone a reason to worry, the team is showing character and quality and has become a model for others to imitate by focusing on young players and nurturing them rather than relying only on ready-made stars.

Caicedo itself is a clear example: at 24 he already has three full EPL seasons of experience; this kind of early exposure makes the team stronger and more mature.

Makélélé noted that Chelsea’s current project has the ingredients to contend for titles in the near future. The squad has talent, energy, and ambition; they simply need time and a bit of experience to read big matches and handle pressure.

He added that talent alone isn’t enough; winning the Premier League is extremely hard, with several strong and stable teams. Arsenal’s recent title challenge shows experience is indispensable.

In his view, young players usually struggle to analyse matches as seasoned pros do; with experience they learn to handle tough moments and know when to press or ease off. That’s why experienced leaders in the dressing room matter.

When I played for Chelsea, we had a great balance between youth and veterans, which made the team strong and stable. Leaders in the dressing room are what really make the difference.

Makélélé insisted that Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea has the ingredients to compete for trophies in the near future. The team has talent, energy, and ambition; what they need is to gain experience in big moments, and that will come with time. I have great confidence Chelsea will be among title contenders this season or in the coming seasons.

He also revealed his coaching plans, hoping to return to management after a hiatus; his last spell with Asteras Tripolis in 2024 ended due to administrative issues.

“I’ll give myself some time. I love helping young players reach their dreams, because some dream but don’t believe in themselves enough.”

“I think I have a knack for seeing what lies inside young players, a talent not many coaches possess. I enjoy working with the youth and developing them, and I seriously consider returning to coaching when the right opportunity comes.”

Makélélé also reflected on his experiences with Paris Saint‑Germain, Monaco, Swansea City, and Chelsea, stating that Chelsea is the best period of his career as both player and coach; “Chelsea is my second home. Everything I learned about modern football happened there. So when I see the team moving in the right direction, I feel proud.”

Looking Ahead: Leadership, Youth, and The Road to Titles

The discussion centers on how Chelsea’s policy of buying young players and developing them could shape the club’s competitiveness in the Premier League and beyond. The combination of Caicedo’s burgeoning maturity and the squad’s growing identity is presented as a potential formula for sustained success, provided experience is earned in big-match situations.

As Makélélé reminds us, a balanced mix of ambition, confidence, and leadership in the locker room is what ultimately translates talent into trophies. Chelsea’s trajectory under Maresca implies a future where homegrown stars and shrewd acquisitions coexist to propel the club back to the top of English football.

And if Caicedo continues to refine his craft, the midfield battle in Europe might soon feature a Chelsea engine that isn’t just loud, but precise. The kind of precision that makes watching the game feel like poetry—just with more short passes and fewer sermons about “playing the right way.”

Punchline time: If Caicedo keeps improving, Chelsea won’t just win midfield battles—they’ll win the hearts of the ball as it orbits his boot. And if anyone doubts the plan, remember: even a compass needs a good needle, and Caicedo’s the needle in Chelsea’s haystack. Last one to the title buys coffee for the squad—bring a latte; Caicedo will bring the plan.