Former Premier League defender Jason Cundy has identified Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo as more crucial to the team than playmaker Cole Palmer.
Despite Palmer’s rise as one of Stamford Bridge’s most influential players since his £42.5 million move in 2023, Cundy believes Caicedo’s impact on midfield and defense has been key.
In his debut season with Chelsea, Palmer delivered an impressive 22 goals and 11 assists in just 33 Premier League appearances. This season, he has continued to shine, with 11 goals and six assists in 16 league matches.
While Palmer’s offensive contributions have been stellar, Caicedo has been pivotal in stabilizing Chelsea’s midfield and defense.
Under head coach Enzo Maresca, Caicedo has even stepped in as a right-back during injury crises, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team.
Meanwhile, Maresca has hinted at a potential role for Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League campaign.
The manager has been rotating squads between the Premier League and the Conference League, with Palmer primarily used in domestic matches.
As Chelsea manages a busy schedule with a deep squad, Maresca faces the challenge of maximizing Palmer’s contributions while avoiding injury risks.
Although Palmer has yet to feature in the Conference League, this could change in the coming weeks.
