Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella has opened up about the first time he realised just how good Moises Caicedo was — and unsurprisingly, it happened long before the Ecuadorian became a £115 million signing at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for £63 million, had a front-row seat to Caicedo’s rise during their time together on the south coast. Even then, the Spaniard says the midfielder’s quality was obvious from day one.
“When he played his first match for Brighton, he was very good. I immediately realized that he was a great footballer.
Marc Cucurella reveals the moment he knew Moises Caicedo was special-Getty Images
Moisés was very young, but it was immediately clear he had special skills. He could defend and attack, his mind worked very quickly, and he always found the right player with a pass. I always liked his style.”
Fast-forward to today, and Caicedo has firmly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. After a slow start to life in London, the 23-year-old has settled into Chelsea’s system and become one of Enzo Maresca’s most important players.
And Chelsea are feeling his absence.
Since Caicedo’s red card against Arsenal, the Blues have not won a single match — a stat that underlines just how crucial the Ecuadorian is to the balance, aggression and control in midfield.
As Cucurella’s praise suggests, Caicedo isn’t just a strong physical presence — his intelligence, reactions and passing vision make him the heartbeat of the team. Chelsea will be desperate to have him back as soon as possible to restore some rhythm in the centre of the pitch.
Predictions
Fixtures and Results
Transfers
Injuries
Chelsea Academy
Chelsea Women