Chelsea’s Need for Moises Caicedo’s Return Highlights Brighton as a Top European Contender

Mauricio Pochettino humorously speculated last month that Chelsea’s owners “would kill him” if he left Moises Caicedo out of the team.

So, it was perhaps a bold decision to begin the £115million summer signing on the bench at Newcastle last weekend.

Caicedo had just returned from international duty in South America with Ecuador, and due to the long flight, he was still feeling its effects.

A disappointing performance in the
4-1 defeat at Newcastle highlighted how much he was missed and emphasized his importance to Chelsea. Caicedo is expected to return to the team on Saturday when the

Blues host his former club Brighton.

Since his British-record transfer, Caicedo’s journey has been a bit bumpier, but he plays a crucial role in implementing Pochettino’s vision for the team.

Midfield understudy Lesley Ugochukwu struggled against Newcastle’s press and his lack of assertiveness added pressure on the defense, resulting in mistakes and Reece James getting sent off.

When Caicedo came on in the 69th minute, he attempted to bring control, but the game was already lost.

Pochettino criticized Chelsea for being “soft in every challenge”
and questioned their “maturity, personality and character” after the
4-1 loss at Newcastle, threatening to cancel two scheduled days off.

Every point feels crucial as they prepare to face Roberto De Zerbi’s high-energy style of play, which should pose a similar pressing intensity and fight.

Chelsea will rely on Caicedo to bring back the attributes they missed last weekend. Pochettino has described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world” and was thrilled when Chelsea outmaneuvered Liverpool to sign him.

Caicedo has, understandably, needed time to adapt to his new club, but Chelsea urgently requires him to return to his best as they aim to secure a European spot in the
Brighton
match.