Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has hailed Moises Caicedo as the best defensive midfielder in the world following Chelsea's impressive 5-1 victory over Bournemouth.
Xabi Alonso's side ended a three-match winless streak in the Premier League with a commanding performance at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea raced into a 2-0 lead within just three minutes, with goals from Morgan Rogers and Jordan Henderson. After the break, Joao Pedro extended the advantage, and despite Bournemouth pulling one back through Evanilson, the hosts responded with two more goals, both scored by Henderson and Pedro, who netted a brace each.
However, Merson was less focused on the attacking flair and more on the contributions of Caicedo and Henderson in the midfield.
The pundit expressed his thoughts on Sky Sports:
When you have Henderson and Caicedo in the centre, they can handle the defensive duties while the others can focus on attack.
I loved how they worked together. Henderson brings vast experience, and for me, Caicedo is the best defensive midfielder in world football.
This partnership is a solid backbone for the team. It allows the others to play freely.
For Caicedo, this match marked his first start for Chelsea this season.
After the game, Alonso also praised the dynamic between the two midfielders.
The Spanish manager explained:
They have different qualities and positions on the field, but they complement each other excellently. They provide the team with stability and help the others not only with their skills but also with their understanding of the game.
For me, it's crucial that the midfield is strong and balanced.
Alonso reiterated his search for the right combinations in midfield. In addition to Caicedo and Henderson, players like Romeo Lavia, Reece James, and Valentin Barco are also in contention for those roles.
Meanwhile, James missed the Bournemouth game due to a knee injury. According to Alonso, scans revealed a minor issue, and the timeline for the captain's return remains uncertain.
Alonso stated:
He felt some discomfort. We later did a scan and found a minor knee problem. We'll be assessing his condition weekly.
Chelsea's next match will be an away fixture against Everton. Following their convincing win over Bournemouth, Alonso will have to decide whether to retain the partnership of Caicedo and Henderson in midfield.
