Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca definitely is aware of the significance of Moises Caicedo.

Maresca has picked the Ecuadorian midfielder within the beginning line-up for 50 of his 51 Premier League matches at Chelsea.

Now, although, after a purple card within the 1-1 draw towards Arsenal, Caicedo will miss three matches – at Leeds on Wednesday, and towards Bournemouth and Everton.

Talking on Tuesday, Maresca gave Caicedo the identical billing as star attacker Cole Palmer.

“We’re a greater staff with Cole, we’re a greater staff with Moi,” mentioned Maresca.

Caicedo has been a key participant for the Blues thus far this season, and solely a late return from South America prevented him from beginning their 2-0 victory towards Burnley after the November worldwide break.

Requested by BBC Sport about nonetheless successful whereas resting his midfield lynchpin, Maresca mentioned: “I will not do it any extra. That is the final time!”

He could have been joking, however there may be maybe some reality behind his phrases.

Caicedo gained each the membership’s gamers’ participant and followers’ participant of the season awards in 2024-25, and is regarded by his supervisor as one of many two finest defensive midfielders on the earth, alongside Manchester Metropolis’s Rodri.

Statistics from soccer information supplier Opta again up that judgement.