Moises Caicedo was arguably one of the most sensational transfers this summer after he rejected Liverpool to join Chelsea in a British-record £115million deal.
That kind of price tag brings on immense pressure, that too for a team like Chelsea who constantly have the spotlight on them. Moreover, the Blues are in the process of rebuilding their midfield.
Fans are used to seeing the brilliance of Prime Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. Replacing players of that quality is never easy.
But if anyone can, it is Caicedo, who showed last season at Brighton that he is one of the most energetic, bullish and smart defensive midfielders in his age bracket. His price tag isn’t in nine figures without reason.
Things haven’t been good for him so far. On his debut in the Premier League clash against West Ham United last month, he conceded a late penalty after coming off the bench. The Hammers won the game 3-1.
In the recent game against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old callously lost possession which led to Taiwo Awoniyi racing to our goal and assisting Anthony Elanga’s goal in a 1-0 loss for us. Speaking about Caicedo, Johnson said that he can’t keep making mistakes if he wishes to be a big player. He told Betfred (h/t Football.London):
“He’s joined a big club as their record signing and he’s definitely not had the best of starts. I believe he’s a very good player and I do ultimately believe that he will be a quality signing for Chelsea. There’s a lot going on at Chelsea and it’s not easy for new players to settle in quickly so I want to give him time, but if you’re a big player, then you can’t keep making these mistakes.”
Defensive midfield is a complicated position to play in. It doesn’t have that many chances to create moments worthy of a highlight reel. A forward can have a poor game but can score or assist to come out of it on a high note.
A No. 6 isn’t afforded so many chances in the final third. One mistake can come to haunt them after the game even if they were solid otherwise, which Caicedo has been. Those around him in midfield have to tighten up too and it must be remembered that he is here for the long run, so let us at least give him a season to settle in properly.
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