‘I am worth it’: Moises Caicedo opens up on his big-money move to Chelsea
Chelsea’s 2023-24 season has yet again been a disappointment as the West London outfit struggles to get into European places for next season. The Blues have splashed the cash on plenty of players during the last couple of years including the high-profile signing of Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo. The talented midfielder arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported fee of $146 million which made him the most expensive signing in the history of the Premier League.
Moisés Caicedo Chelsea journey
With heavy expectations on his shoulders, the Ecuadorian has reflected on his journey with Chelsea. He also spoke about what it was like to handle the pressure of the price tag he came with and how people at the club helped him settle in the surroundings.
“At the beginning, I felt the pressure. In my mind, I wanted to show my best football and why the club paid the money for me. After that, I started to speak with people who helped me understand that if Chelsea signed me it was because I was worth it.
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“I have kept on playing and I know I have to show my best on the pitch. Of course, I haven’t played every game well and it was tough at the beginning, but now I feel good and feel I am helping the team. I am only thinking about the game and not what people are saying about me.”
Caicedo is yet to leave up to his price tag with him struggling against big teams and unable to influence the game as he did at his previous club Brighton. His performances have often been the focal point of criticism as Chelsea have failed to impress in matches where they should have won.
Can Caicedo inspire Chelsea?
As things stand, Caicedo still has enough time to stamp his authority on the side and lead his Chelsea side to European football. While Chelsea’s current 11th place will be of no help to gain them entry to the European competitions, they could yet punch their tickets from the back doors. If Mauricio Pochettino’s side wins the FA Cup they will directly qualify for the Europa League next season. They could have landed a European berth even earlier had they beaten Liverpool in the final of the League Cup.
The Blues and Caicedo will next take the field on Monday (Mar 11) when they host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. A win for them could see them back in the top half of the table while a defeat could spell the end of their pursuit of a European place in the league structure.