"I think he’s found his confidence" - Micah Richards names one "outstanding" Chelsea player who has hit his stride under new coach Enzo Maresca

Former Manchester City defender heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo after the Blues' 1-1 draw against Manchester United on November 3. He believes the Ecuadorian's confidence is back and that he is showing shades of his old self.

Chelsea signed Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023 for an English record fee of £115 million. He had an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign, making 48 appearances across competitions. He showed improvement towards the end of the last season and has now become a mainstay in the midfield for new manager Enzo Maresca.

Caicedo was excellent against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, November 3. He also scored a brilliant goal in the 74th minute to restore parity after Bruno Fernandes had given the hosts the lead in the 70th minute. Analyzing the game on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards said about Caicedo (via The Chelsea Chronicle):

“I thought Caicedo was outstanding today. I thought he ran the midfield… He really has [come good]. I think he’s found his confidence. [It’s] the Caicedo we saw at Brighton.”

Caicedo, 23, has made 12 appearances across competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

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Moises Caicedo opens up on Chelsea's draw against Manchester United

The Blues faced a struggling Manchester United side, who were managed by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy after Erik ten Hag's sacking, last weekend. Chelsea dominated possession with 54% and had 12 attempts, with three being on target. The Red Devils, meanwhile, had 11 attempts with four being on target.

After the game, Moises Caicedo, who scored the visitors' equalizer, said that they deserved to win. He said (via Chelseafc.com):

"We deserved to win. We knew it would be a tough game but we were prepared for it. I'm so happy for the team. It was a great fight out there.

"We wanted to win the game to go to third place in the table, but one point is good. Sometimes the most important is to not lose the game. I am happy for the point. Now we focus on the next game."

The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. They will next face Armenian side Noah at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, November 7.

Enzo Maresca's side will then take on Arsenal at home in the Premier League three days later.