“He has been the best midfielder in the league this season” - Emanuel Petit lavishes praises on Chelsea star despite Liverpool defeat

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has heaped praise on Moises Caicedo and hailed the Chelsea man as the best midfielder in the Premier League. He believes that the record signing is not a holding midfielder and should be given the freedom to roam around.

Speaking to Genting Casino, Petit claimed that he was impressed with Caicedo and his mentality. He added that the midfielder brought a lot of energy to the pitch. Petit said:

"Caicedo was the best player on the pitch against Liverpool and he was wearing the armband. He showed great personality and mentality from start to finish. He showed incredible composure on the ball with so many men around him and I was very impressed with him."

"In big games like this, you don’t have time to think and when you look at the whole game, he gave an assist, recovered the ball, so much energy. Honestly, it was a very good game from him. I think he has been the best midfielder in the league this season. I don’t like even calling him a holding midfielder as he’s so much better than that. For me, he’s a modern midfielder and definitely one of the best players this season."

The Blues lost 2-1 to Liverpool and have now slipped to sixth in the league table. They are three points behind third placed Arsenal and fourth placed Aston Villa.

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit not impressed with Chelsea star

Emmanuel Petit has urged Chelsea to replace Robert Sanchez. He believes that the Spanish goalkeeper is not good enough and does not inspire confidence in his defense.

Speaking to Genting Casino, Petit stated that the Blues should look to bring in a better goalkeeper and suggested AC Milan's Mike Maignan or Lille's Lucas Chevalier. He said:

"I was not convinced at all by Robert Sanchez against Liverpool. He came off his line badly, didn’t give assurance to the defence and so for me, it was obvious that he was nowhere near the level to be on the pitch. I think he’s a good goalkeeper but he’s not good enough for Chelsea, especially if you look at who they have had in the past like Petr Cech. There is two French goalkeepers who I love. Mike Maignan, of AC Milan, but he will probably be too expensive. Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has been marvellous in recent years and has been making miracles in the goal. I really think he could be the answer to Chelsea’s goalkeeping problems."

Chelsea have loaned out Djorde Petrovic, who impressed at the club last season. They have also signed highly rated teenage goalkeeper Mike Penders, who will join the club next summer.