LATEST NEWS: During an interview at the EA FC event, João Félix mentioned the player Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca favors the most.
Cole Palmer may currently be one of the most in-form stars in the Premier League, but he isn’t regarded as Enzo Maresca’s ‘favourite player,’ as revealed by his Chelsea teammate João Félix. Despite Palmer’s recent standout performances, Félix offered surprising insights into the Chelsea squad dynamics, shedding light on who the Italian manager holds in the highest regard.
Palmer, a 22-year-old English international, made headlines when he became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in a single half of a match. His incredible performance was pivotal in Chelsea’s dominant 4-2 win against Brighton at Stamford Bridge. After joining Chelsea from Manchester City last summer for an initial fee of £40 million, Palmer has quickly established himself as a key player for the Blues. However, it seems that Maresca has his attention fixed on another rising star in the squad.
Just days before Palmer’s historic performance, he attended the EA FC 25 launch event in London alongside fellow teammate João Félix. During the event, Félix participated in a rapid-fire interview with Sky Sports, where he responded to several fun questions about his Chelsea colleagues. When asked who Enzo Maresca’s ‘favourite player’ was, Félix did not hesitate to name someone unexpected. With a brief smile, he revealed, “Moi,” referring to Moises Caicedo, the Ecuadorian midfielder who also joined Chelsea last summer in a British record £115 million transfer.
While Palmer has been in the spotlight for his form, Maresca’s fondness for Caicedo speaks to the Ecuadorian’s critical role in the team this season. Maresca has openly praised Caicedo, calling him a “very important player” for Chelsea. However, he noted that there’s room for improvement, especially in Caicedo’s offensive play. “I knew Moi from his time at Brighton and watched many of his matches. Right now, he’s crucial for us,” Maresca remarked. “He’s great off the ball, but he needs to improve his assertiveness on it and break lines better. He’s performing well, but there’s more to come.”
Indeed, Caicedo has become a key figure in Maresca’s tactical system, especially with his strong work rate and defensive contributions, which have been vital for a Chelsea side facing some difficulties this season. Notably, Caicedo has played more matches than any other Chelsea player thus far, emphasizing his importance in the team’s structure. After an impressive showing against West Ham, Maresca once again commended Caicedo’s performance. “He’s exceptional,” Maresca stated. “His performance was brilliant, but he’s been consistently fantastic since the start of the season.”
Although Palmer’s record-breaking achievements and central role in Chelsea’s recent success are undeniable, Maresca’s admiration for Caicedo underscores the tactical importance the Ecuadorian midfielder brings to the side. Palmer’s flair and goal-scoring abilities have undoubtedly excited fans, but Caicedo’s reliability and defensive discipline are characteristics Maresca deeply values, helping to maintain balance and competitiveness within the squad.
In the broader context, while Palmer’s individual accomplishments may dominate the headlines, Maresca’s appreciation for Caicedo reflects his strategic vision for the team. As Chelsea continues its journey through domestic and international competitions, the contributions of both Palmer and Caicedo will be vital for the club’s success. While Palmer dazzles with his creativity and goals, Caicedo’s quiet dominance in the midfield forms a powerful duo that could elevate Chelsea to greater heights under Maresca’s leadership.