Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivered high praise on one player after his performance in the crucial victory over West Ham.
The Blues came from behind on Monday night to secure a 2-1 home win over London rivals West Ham in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca watched his side earn a much-needed three points at Stamford Bridge, which lifts them back up to fourth spot in the table.
West Ham boss Graham Potter suffered defeat on his first return to the Blues since his sacking nearly two years ago. Incidentally, Potter thought the Chelsea crowd were nervous during yesterday’s game with West Ham, but the home side fought from behind to clinch victory.
Enzo Maresca applauds Chelsea star after West Ham win
The Chelsea manager praised Blues star Moises Caicedo, 23, yesterday after another eye-catching performance from him in the midfield.
When discussing Chelsea’s Caicedo after the West Ham result, Maresca told the club’s official YouTube channel: “He’s doing fantastic. We are very happy, especially because he’s a fantastic boy. He’s very humble, working hard, and he’s what we need.”
Maresca is worried about playing Chelsea’s Caicedo too much, but he’s so durable and effective in every game he plays for the club. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets a rare game off in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie away to Brighton.
If there’s one player in the Blues squad right now that they can’t do without, it may actually be Caicedo.
Moises Caicedo produces typical display vs West Ham
Yet again, Caicedo was busy and effective for Chelsea in and out of possession in Monday’s game.
Here is a look at the 23-year-old’s individual statistics versus West Ham:
| Minutes played | Touches | Accurate passes | Chances created | Tackles won | Duels won | Dribbled past | Match rating |
| 90 | 72 | 60/61 (89%) | 1 | 5/5 (100%) | 7 | 1 | 7.6 |
The combination of Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the centre of the park for the Blues is effective, but it’s a big loss when Romeo Lavia is unavailable to play. Apparently, Lavia could be back for Chelsea in the final 10 league games.
Gary Neville thought Chelsea’s Caicedo was “outstanding” in 2024, and we’re predicting an even bigger 2025 as he grows in stature at the football club.
