“People will argue Palmer” - Jason Cundy names Chelsea star who is more important to club than Cole Palmer

Former Premier League defender Jason Cundy has named Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo as more important to the club than playmaker Cole Palmer. The forward has become one of the most influential players at Stamford Bridge since he joined the Blues for a reported £42.5 million in 2023.

In his first season in London, Palmer scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in just 33 Premier League games. He has continued that form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in 16 league games.

While the playmaker has continued to enjoy stellar performances, Chelsea have been stable in midfield and defense, partly because of Moises Caicedo. Due to injuries, the midfielder has intermittently deputized at right-back under head coach Enzo Maresca.

Jason Cundy said on talkSPORT (via Metro):

"Chelsea were good for a kicking by everyone over the media because of the money spent, ‘the billion-pound bottle jobs’, it was hard for anyone to look at Caicedo’s performances and really credit them. I’ve been talking about Caicedo for a while now. This boy is the best midfielder in the country right now."

"I think he’s our most important player. People will argue Palmer, I understand that. I think he’s our most important player because there’s so much he can do and does do. The second goal we scored against Brentford. Win the ball, give it to Enzo, pass, finish."

Cundy compared Caicedo's quality to N'Golo Kante, adding:

"We’ve not seen the likes in the middle of the park winning the ball like that since N’Golo Kante. I’m not just talking about Chelsea, I’m talking about the league. Liverpool fans will say Gravenberch and I get that because of the influence he’s had on their upturn in results. But right now, Moises Caicedo, wow, what a player."

Caicedo has played in all 16 Premier League games for the Blues this season, scoring a goal and providing three assists.

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca explains why Cole Palmer might play in their upcoming continental games

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explained why Cole Palmer might play in their UEFA Conference League games. The manager has notably used different squads for their Premier League and their Conference League campaigns, utilizing the playmaker in the domestic competition.

However, this could change in January, as Maresca explained to TNT Sports (via GOAL):

"Depends on January. In January, we don't want to sell players, but players who are not playing a lot will be a bit unhappy. It depends on what happens in January and then we decide. This competition will be up until March and then we have the FA Cup. The players have to be ready as they are going to play."

With Chelsea competing on multiple fronts with a large squad, the manager will have to determine how many games Cole Palmer can impact without getting injured. He has not been part of their Conference League squad so far but this could change in the coming month.