BlueCo has acquired a “wonderkid” who could become Chelsea’s new Caicedo & Enzo
Though not every signing has been successful, Chelsea has assembled an impressive squad over the past few years. In defense, talents such as Reece James, Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana would likely be starters for most teams in the Premier League. Similarly, Cole Palmer ranks among the top attacking players worldwide, and Estevao shows the potential to evolve into a world-class talent.
Enzo Maresca also boasts remarkable midfield options, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández standing out, and it seems Chelsea may have already discovered an ideal successor to both of them.
How Fernández and Caicedo compare in 2025/26
Fans might have varying opinions on who Chelsea’s key player is, but it’s likely that most would agree Caicedo and Fernández are in the mix.
So, how do their performances stack up against each other this season? Beginning with some of the fundamental metrics, the Argentine has made 24 appearances in central midfield, recording five goals and two assists.
In contrast, the Ecuadorian has played in 21 first-team matches, predominantly in the six position, and has netted four goals while providing one assist. Considering that the former Brighton & Hove Albion talent operates deeper than his partner, one might say he slightly edges the comparison in terms of contribution.
On the other hand, with six yellow cards and one red card compared to the four yellow cards of the ex-Benfica player, he clearly falls short in the temperament category. So, which international star emerges more favorably when examining their underlying stats?
As expected, the former Seagulls player excels in all defensive metrics, while the World Cup champ performs better in attacking stats. However, statistics like passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, and goals per shot, all evaluated per 90 minutes, tip the scales in favor of the Santo Domingo-born talent.
Caicedo vs Fernández
| Statistics per 90 | Caicedo | Fernández |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Penalty Expected G+As | 0.13 | 0.57 |
| Progressive Passes | 5.80 | 7.57 |
| Progressive Carries | 0.84 | 1.38 |
| Goals per Shot | 0.27 | 0.10 |
| Passing Accuracy | 90.1 | 82.9 |
| Key Passes | 0.50 | 1.71 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 2.35 | 3.36 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.42 | 0.26 |
| Tackles | 3.11 | 1.58 |
| Blocks | 1.09 | 1.05 |
| Interceptions | 2.69 | 0.46 |
| Clearances | 1.09 | 0.79 |
| Ball Recoveries | 5.88 | 4.14 |
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 PL Season
In conclusion, while Caicedo stands out as the stronger player, Fernández remains a vital component of the Chelsea squad. It now appears that the club may have a promising young talent who can be groomed to take over for either him or his midfield mate.
The outstanding prospect who could succeed Caicedo or Fernández
To even be contemplated as a potential future substitute for either Caicedo or Fernández, a player must possess exceptional qualities.
The positive news is that, according to sources, Mohammad Zongo fits this bill perfectly. This month, it was reported that the consortium controlling Chelsea and Strasbourg, BlueCo, has reached an agreement to sign the Burkinabe sensation.
He is expected to join the French club in two years, when he turns 18, and is deemed to have a bright future at Stamford Bridge. So, what makes him a candidate to be the successor to one of Chelsea’s top midfielders?
Primarily, he exhibits positional versatility, capable of playing both in attack and deeper in midfield, which is likely why Chelsea writer Lloyd Canfield remarked that the player “plays like a unique mix of Estevao and Moises Caicedo.”
Additionally, analyst Filipe Sousa has characterized the teenage sensation as “a complete and energetic box-to-box midfielder who makes contributions in every aspect of the game.” Sousa further states that the young prospect is “technically sound and physically robust,” enabling him to traverse spaces quickly, win the ball back, and initiate attacks. With such descriptions, it’s impossible not to think of Maresca’s Ecuadorian powerhouse.
However, he is not solely an engine, as U23 scout Antonio Mango has labeled him a “magic” player for his knack for creating opportunities for his teammates. While Chelsea fans will have to wait a while to see Zongo in action, the anticipation of him eventually being the long-term successor to Caicedo or Fernández is certainly captivating.
Published: 2025-12-25 20:10:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
