Former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris has heaped praise on Moises Caicedo, declaring the Ecuadorian midfielder as the Blues’ best player this season, even surpassing the impressive Cole Palmer.

Caicedo, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in a record-breaking £115 million transfer, initially struggled to find his footing under former manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under current manager Enzo Maresca, establishing himself as a crucial figure in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Morris highlighted Caicedo’s consistency and influence, even positioning him alongside Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch as one of the Premier League’s top two central midfielders this season.

“If we’re talking team of the season, they’ve [Caicedo and Gravenberch] played better than anybody,” Morris said. “Caicedo has played better than Cole Palmer this year. I’m telling you, he’s been better than Cole Palmer at Chelsea.

“I’m just looking at pure performance. I have not seen Caicedo have a bad game.”

A Turnaround Season for Caicedo

After a rocky start, Caicedo’s transformation has been a key storyline for Chelsea this season. His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and contribute to the team’s rhythm has made him indispensable under Maresca’s system.

The comparison to Cole Palmer—a player who has dazzled Chelsea fans with his flair and creativity—underscores just how influential Caicedo has been. While Palmer’s attacking contributions have drawn headlines, Caicedo’s consistency and work rate have solidified Chelsea’s midfield, providing the foundation for their resurgence in the Premier League.

Opinion: A Rising Star in Chelsea’s Revival

Moises Caicedo’s journey at Chelsea exemplifies the power of perseverance and proper management. His development under Enzo Maresca is a testament to the importance of nurturing talent and providing players with a system that maximizes their strengths.

The debate over whether Caicedo or Palmer has been Chelsea’s best player this season is a testament to the depth of talent within the squad. Both players represent the future of Chelsea, but Caicedo’s consistency in arguably the most demanding position on the pitch gives him the edge.

For Chelsea fans, Caicedo’s performances are a reason to be optimistic about the club’s prospects. If his current trajectory continues, the Ecuadorian midfielder could very well be the cornerstone of Chelsea’s success for years to come.