Claude Makelele has described Moises Caicedo as an “amazing player” but added he still needs to learn.
The 22 year old arrived from Brighton last summer in a British record transfer and his performances for the Blues this season have come under criticism.
The price tag of course means big pressure on the shoulders of the Ecuadorian but in recent weeks his performances have improved and he is now finding his feet in the Chelsea midfield.
The former Brighton man has established himself as a key figure for Mauricio Pochettino and has made 34 appearances across all competitions the season.
Blues legend Makelele has no doubt about Caicedo’s quality but insisted he still needs to learn and speaking to The Athletic said:
“He needs to learn. He’s an amazing player. If Chelsea don’t give him the platform with these details he will struggle and it will be difficult and he won’t play at a higher level than he was before in the Premier League with Brighton. He needs to learn, to read, it’s very important for people to give him this message.”
Makelele added: “It’s not about the physical quality, it’s about the smarts. Understanding about when to make an impact, when not to, learning about where your team mates are, you have to use this position to read the game.
“You need to have leadership in this position. You don’t play for yourself, you play for everyone else to be OK in the team. Because the manager can’t do anything anymore, you have to guide the way to play and the way to win.”
Caicedo will be back in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield on Monday night at Stamford Bridge as the Blues take on Newcastle in a crucial match in the race for European qualification.
