Enzo Maresca makes 'best in the world' claim as Chelsea star shines vs Tottenham

Enzo Maresca reckons man-of-the-moment Moises Caicedo ranks among the finest midfielders on the planet following his latest outstanding display. The Ecuador international was instrumental on Saturday afternoon as Chelsea defeated Tottenham 1-0 in north London.

It marked yet another exceptional showing from the former Brighton star, who now appears to be justifying his £115m price tag at last. And his manager,Maresca, is evidently a massive admirer, and has indicated that nobody surpasses Caicedo's ability.

Following his team's triumph over Spurs, the Italian tactician commented: "Moi, I think he's showing how good he is. He's top. I said many times, the best thing from Moi, for sure, we judge him inside the pitch, but he's so humble, he's such a good guy, he's always there to help everyone.

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"And I just said to the television interviewer that, for me, him and [Manchester City's] Rodri, in this moment, they are the two best defensive midfielders in the world."

Maresca wasn't the only one to acclaim Caicedo after his latest exceptional outing. He also received widespread praise from Jamie Redknapp, who similarly declared that the midfielder was in a class of his own at present.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he remarked: "[He's] world class. I would go as far as to say right now, the best of his type in world football. Just absolutely phenomenal, the way he covers ground, his desire, his quality on the ball, putting out fires for his team, chasing lost causes, strength on the ball, always making the right pass.

"I just thought he was magnificent today. And he's a dream. When you're playing as a defender and you've got someone like that hoovering up in front of you and adding quality like that, it's just a dream, an absolute dream.

"He took a little while to settle - but now I'm thinking he's one of the best. They've had Kante, Makelele, some of the best defensive midfield players in that club over the last few years."

"He's 23 [24], absolutely magnificent in every department. That's what you need. If you're going to go anywhere - and win competitions - you need those sorts of players."

Caicedo, aged 24, has already made 14 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season, netting four times - his most prolific season at Stamford Bridge to date. He'll be looking to maintain his impressive form when Chelsea face Qarabag in the Champions League midweek.