Former Chelsea coach Graham Potter has voiced his admiration for Moises Caicedo, especially after the midfielder shone brightly in Sunday’s match against Manchester United.
Caicedo netted a sensational volley in the second half, leveling the score for Chelsea at Old Trafford and helping the team secure a 1-1 draw. This performance came as part of an impressive beginning to the Premier League season under the guidance of Enzo Maresca.
The Ecuador international had a rocky start to his tenure at Stamford Bridge following his record-breaking £115 million transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2023. However, he has emerged as one of Chelsea’s key players this season.
Potter, who played a pivotal role in nurturing Caicedo during his initial Premier League season with Brighton in 2021, believes Chelsea is finally unlocking the potential of the league's most expensive player. “He’s a genuinely decent person. He’s humble, eager to learn and grow, and committed to the team,” Potter shared with Premier League Productions. “I’m really happy for him.”
Acknowledging the pressures that come with a hefty price tag, Potter continued, “It’s only natural to feel that pressure. The team is striving for better performance, and when you come in at such a significant amount, expectations rise.”
According to Football.London, Potter elaborated that Caicedo’s true value often shines when he facilitates better play amongst his teammates, emphasizing his ability to regain possession and cover expansive areas on the pitch. “Now, we’re starting to see the quality he brings.”
At just 23, Caicedo, who signed an eight-year contract with Chelsea in August, has been a constant presence in every Premier League match this season. Maresca praised his evolution after the player scored his first goal of the season, stating, “Since arriving, Moi has been doing incredibly well. It’s normal for players to experience fluctuations in form, but since we got here, he has made considerable progress.”
The Italian coach underscored the importance of adaptation, noting, “In football, one plus one doesn’t always equal two. Just because he excelled at Brighton doesn’t guarantee the same success at Chelsea. Adjusting takes time.”
Maresca reflected on the challenges that come with being part of a prestigious club like Chelsea, saying, “The impact can be overwhelming. When players join Chelsea, they often need time to find their footing. Now, we’re seeing Moi demonstrate his true quality and how far he’s come this season.”
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