Cole Palmer may be one of the Premier League’s standout performers at the moment, but according to his Chelsea teammate Joao Felix, he’s not considered Enzo Maresca’s “favourite player.”
Despite Palmer’s recent stellar displays, Felix has shared some surprising insights about the dynamics within the Chelsea squad, revealing who the Italian coach truly favors.
Palmer, the 22-year-old England international, made headlines on Saturday after becoming the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a match.
His remarkable performance was the key to Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City last summer for an initial £40 million, Palmer has rapidly established himself as a vital player in Maresca’s lineup.
However, it seems Maresca’s attention is more focused on another rising star in the squad.q
Just a few days before Palmer’s record-breaking game, Joao Felix attended the EAFC 25 launch event in London alongside Palmer.
During the event, Felix participated in a lighthearted interview with Sky Sports, where he was asked various questions about his Chelsea teammates.
When asked who Enzo Maresca’s ‘favourite player’ was, Felix smiled and without hesitation named Moises Caicedo, the Ecuadorian midfielder who joined Chelsea last summer in a British-record £115 million transfer.
Although Palmer has been at the forefront of Chelsea’s recent form, Maresca’s admiration for Caicedo underscores the Ecuadorian’s crucial role in the team this season.
Maresca has frequently praised Caicedo, calling him a “very important player” for the club.
Despite his defensive prowess, Maresca has pointed out that Caicedo still has room for improvement in his offensive contributions. “I knew Moi from his Brighton days and watched many of his games.
He’s crucial for us right now,” Maresca stated. “He’s performing excellently off the ball, but he needs to be more assertive with it and improve his line-breaking passes.
He’s doing great, but there’s potential for much more.”
Caicedo has indeed become a vital part of Maresca’s system at Chelsea, with his tireless work rate and defensive skills standing out, especially in a season where the team has faced numerous challenges.
Caicedo has featured in more matches than any other Chelsea player so far, cementing his place as a key figure in Maresca’s tactical approach.
After Chelsea’s recent 3-0 win over West Ham, Maresca once again singled out Caicedo for praise, describing his performance as “top.” Maresca emphasized that Caicedo has been “fantastic” since the start of the season and continues to impress with his performances.
While Cole Palmer’s headline-grabbing performances and goal-scoring feats are undoubtedly significant for Chelsea, Maresca’s preference for Caicedo highlights the midfielder’s tactical importance to the team.
Palmer may provide the flair and creativity that electrify fans, but Caicedo’s dependability and defensive discipline are equally crucial to maintaining Chelsea’s balance and competitiveness.
In the broader context of Chelsea’s ambitions, both Palmer’s and Caicedo’s contributions are vital.
Palmer’s individual achievements may capture the headlines, but Maresca’s appreciation for Caicedo reflects his overall vision for the team.
As Chelsea continues to pursue success in both domestic and international competitions, the complementary qualities of players like Palmer and Caicedo will be essential to the club’s future.
While Palmer dazzles with his attacking brilliance, Caicedo’s quiet dominance in midfield creates a formidable balance, one that could help Chelsea reach new heights under Maresca’s leadership.
