Taking his young team to Merseyside to face Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Anfield, many expected Enzo Maresca to adopt a more pragmatic approach but the Italian rocked up to Anfield and dominated the Reds at their backyard.
Showing courage and immense bravery, Enzo Maresca started the game without 100 million pounds midfield-marquee signing Enzo Fernandez.
In replication of the courage on show on the sidelines, Moises Caicedo stood tall amongst all players in blue at Anfield.
Playing in the pivot alongside Romeo Lavia, Caicedo looked his best as he was given the license to roam in the first half with Lavia sitting deepest of the two when the team attacked.
Tactically, Maresca couldn’t have asked for more from the former Brighton man as he stamped his authority on the game with his intensity off the ball, snuffing out dangers and picking up loose balls in a very congested midfield.
Caicedo’s brilliant reading of play meant he recovered the ball 4 times, won 5/9 of his ground duels and had a 100% tackle success rate, while also beating the Liverpool intense press whenever the Reds looked to apply pressure.
The 22-year old was crucial in setting the tempo and helping the Blues keep sustained possession which meant Slot’s men couldn’t press high as he retained the ball brilliantly under pressure.
In Enzo’s absence until his substitution in the 53rd minute, Caicedo also had to be the team’s main ball handler.
He didn’t falter, creating two chances (one big chance) and getting an assist for Jackson’s goal while completing two of his four long passes.
He should not be grouped into one category of midfielder, this is an all action midfielder that thrives when being allowed to play as a box to box.
In addition, one subtle thing of note after Enzo’s introduction was Caicedo keeping the armband despite Enzo being the assistant captain after James (Chilwell has been ousted).
Caicedo’s good performances have gone a bit under the radar since the beginning of the season but rightly so, the Ecuadorian is beginning to gain the respect he truly deserves.
Maresca should now have a selection headache between him and Enzo Fernandez as Caicedo can show his full armory of attributes as a box to box rather than just simply sitting deep.
