Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has heaped praises on team-mate Moises Caicedo calling him the “best midfielder in the world” after the Ecuador international provided the match-winning assist in the Blues’ 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s team put in a dominant display to defeat Tottenham as they climbed up to sixth in the Premier League league table, level on 17 points with Spurs, Sunderland and Manchester United.
Caicedo was the man of the match as he completed seven recoveries, four interceptions and provided the all-important assist for Joao Pedro after twice shutting down Spurs defenders.
Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo (right), Wesley Fofana (left) and Malo Gusto celebrate after victory against Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Speaking about Caicedo’s influence on the match, goalkeeper Sanchez said: “I don’t really need to talk about him but he’s an actual animal. He’s the best player on the planet in his position. He’s one of the best in the world, who is better than him in that position? He’s a beast. Every 50-50, every challenge he wins and is so composed on the ball.
“I haven’t seen him change much. As a player and as a character, he’s always been the same, hard work, effort, quiet but a very good guy. Obviously, he’s filled out with his body a bit more with age and with experience, he’s just got better and better on the pitch. His confidence has also gone higher and higher. He’s a boss at winning the midfield.”
Speaking on his own performance, Sanchez added: “I enjoyed myself. When you play for one of the best teams in the world, a massive club, you’re always going to be under pressure when the team or you don’t perform. Obviously, being the last line of defence, normally you get the blame for it, even if it’s not yours but that’s the life I choose, that’s what I like and I enjoy it. I’ve got the confidence of my boys, the manager and the club to keep doing as good as I’m doing.
“The whole entrance into Chelsea for me personally, was difficult. I came in a rush, only had about three days of training on how to start with a new manager, a new team and it was a bit of a struggle. I got used to it then got a massive injury on my knee around Christmas which put me out for the rest of the season.”
Caicedo also received praise from Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. Speaking about the midfielder’s performance, head coach Maresca said: “I said many times, the best thing from Moi, for sure, we judge him inside the pitch, but he’s so humble, he’s such a good guy, he’s always there to help everyone. And I just said to the television interviewer that for me, him and [Manchester City’s] Rodri, in this moment, they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world.”
Chelsea will now face Qarabag in a Champions League fixture a long way from home on Wednesday, before hosting Wolves for a Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on November 8.
