Caicedo Takes Center Stage: Chelsea’s Quiet Renaissance in the Premier League
5 November 2025
Caicedo Shines Against Spurs
Moises Caicedo delivered a standout performance as Chelsea defeated Tottenham in a key Premier League clash, and the match official crowned him Player of the Match for the tenth round.
Chelsea’s goal came from Joao Pedro, finished with a pass that originated from Caicedo’s vision and work rate in midfield.
The Premier League announced Caicedo as the winner of the round’s best player, having captured 30% of the fan vote. Erling Haaland finished second with 23%, followed by Declan Rice in third with 16% and a cluster of others polling in single digits.
Other names mentioned in the round’s results included Freddy Pots, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Sessegnon, while Jefferson Lirma trailed with 1% of the vote.
Makélélé’s Praise
Claude Makélélé, Chelsea legend, stated that the club now has one of the world’s best midfielders in Caicedo, praising his work ethic and leadership as essential for the team’s short- and long-term goals.
In an interview with The Sun, Makélélé compared Caicedo and Declan Rice, noting their different styles but stressing Caicedo’s potential to reach the very top if he maintains ambition and discipline.
“Caicedo has the qualities to become the best in his position if he keeps pushing,” Makélélé said with a smile, adding that Caicedo’s happiness and drive on the pitch remind him of the best moments in football culture—when players play with joy and purpose.
The Chelsea Project
The discussion then turned to Chelsea’s broader project under Enzo Maresca, which emphasizes building a young, competitive squad for the future rather than relying solely on established stars.
Makélélé argued that the early doubts about a young, ambitious Chelsea have given way to a team showing character and growth, focusing on nurturing young talents and improving through experience rather than instant stardom.
Caicedo’s 24-year-old profile was highlighted as a prime example of the club’s strategy: experienced enough to guide teammates, young enough to grow with the project, and already making a tangible impact in the league’s toughest battles.
Experience vs. Youth
Makélélé underscored that raw talent must be paired with experience to win the Premier League, noting that teams need a balance of energy, learning, and leadership in the locker room.
He recalled his own Chelsea days, where a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran guidance created stability and a winning culture, arguing that this is exactly what Maresca is trying to recreate now.
The veteran’s perspective suggests Chelsea’s current generation can compete for titles in the near future if they continue to evolve and integrate leadership within the squad.
Caicedo’s rise, according to Makélélé, embodies the club’s long-term plan: a talented, energetic core that gradually accrues the experience necessary to contend for major trophies in the coming seasons.
The article closes with a firm belief that Chelsea’s talent, energy, and ambition can translate into real silverware, provided the squad matures together and sidesteps complacency.
Punchlines for the road: 1) If Caicedo keeps this up, Chelsea will need a trophy cabinet with a built-in espresso machine to power through press conferences. 2) With this project, even the trophy room might start wearing Chelsea blue and a smile, because winning looks better with a little swagger.
