Softfootball understands that Liam Rosenior has wasted no time making his admiration for Moises Caicedo public, placing the Chelsea midfielder right at the top of world football in his position.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Brighton and Hove Albion in August 2023, the Ecuador international has steadily built a reputation as one of the most complete and dependable midfielders around.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as reported by the club via their official X account, Rosenior expanded on his praise.
He said:
The scary thing is that yes, he is young, but sometimes he plays like he is 35,His understanding of the game is top.In my opinion, as a defensive midfield player, I wouldn’t want to sit next to anybody else in world football. That’s what I think of Moi, he knows that as I’ve told him.
It was a strong statement that underlined just how highly the Chelsea head coach rates the 24-year-old.
Caicedo’s rise at Chelsea has been built on consistency. Last season, he played a central role in the Blues’ UEFA Conference League success, even scoring in the final against Real Betis.
He then followed that up with another composed run of performances as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup last summer, controlling games in a way that often made things look easier than they were.
Those displays did not go unnoticed. At the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Caicedo was named both Chelsea’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, a rare double that says plenty about his influence on and off the pitch.
This season, he has carried that form forward, featuring in four of Rosenior’s first five matches in charge, including featuring in Chelsea’s recent 3-1 Premier League victory against Crystal Palace and remaining a constant presence in midfield.
For Rosenior, working with players of Caicedo’s level was one of the biggest attractions of the Chelsea role. And despite everything he has already achieved, there’s a feeling he still hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. That is the most impressive part of all.
