No player has perhaps emphasised Chelsea’s recent turnaround in form than Moises Caicedo, with the midfielder finally showcasing why he became the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
Chelsea were 10th going into 2024 but only three teams have picked up more points since then, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side now in pole position to finish in the top six and qualify for Europe.
Caicedo had endured strong criticism after joining Chelsea for an eye-watering €116 million last summer, having failed to immediately replicate his Brighton form at his new club.
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But the 22-year-old has proven to be integral in recent months, playing the full 90 minutes in 17 of his last 20 appearances, pitching in with four assists in that time.
The Ecuadorian has provided consistency and reliability during a season where Chelsea have been plagued by injury and Caicedo has formed a fruitful partnership with Conor Gallagher in the absence of Enzo Fernandez.
Despite his huge price tag, Caicedo’s return to form has gone under the radar but the youngster is justifying Chelsea’s investment and showcasing why he could be the focal point of Pochettino’s side going forward.
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Chelsea had initially struggled to get the best out of their midfield trio of Caicedo, Fernandez and Gallagher, leading to suggestions that the Blues had been ripped off for their costly midfield.
Fernandez had also commanded a record fee at the time of his signing and, while the 23-year-old has still yet to showcase his best for Chelsea, he was also improving prior to his season-ending injury in April.
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The Argentine may end up replacing Gallagher in the line-up if the academy graduate is sold this summer, with Chelsea still considering cashing in on a player who will be entering the final 12 months of his contract.
But while doubts may persist over both Gallagher and Fernandez, Caicedo’s calming presence has also eased the pressure on Pochettino, who himself was facing an uncertain future as Chelsea manager.
Chelsea’s run of just one defeat in their last 14 Premier League games has led to the expectation that Pochettino will still be in charge next season and the Argentine will be grateful that Caicedo has proven to be a catalyst for a change in fortunes for all parties.
