Enzo Maresca compares Moises Caicedo to Rodri and Declan Rice | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes Moises Caicedo has what it takes to compete with some of the best midfielders in the Premier League, placing him alongside Manchester City's Rodri and Arsenal's Declan Rice.

Caicedo has, so far, been a staple of the Blues' Premier League campaign. The midfielder has made 16 appearances over the 2024/25 season, adding a goal and two assists to his tally. His efforts have helped Chelsea clinch second place in the current league standings, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

His success has been enough for coach Maresca to name him alongside some of the best players in the league, drawing comparisons between Caicedo and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

"He is for sure now at that level," Maresca told reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash with Tottenham Hotpur. "No doubt. Unfortunately, Rodri is injured [with a knee injury for the rest of the season] but Declan is playing. I think Moises can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder.

Caicedo has enjoyed a strong start to 2024/25 / Robin Jones/GettyImages

"Because of the Romeo [Lavia] injury and the Enzo [Fernandez] moment, we used Moi as a holding midfielder. We used him right-back last game and in the future we can expect to see him there. For sure, it could be an option."

Maresca also delivered a message to fans off the back of Chelsea's successful start to the campaign.

"We are very happy for the fans," he continued. "Absolutely because they deserve to live this moment. They can dream. We are very happy. We work every day to also make them happy and proud of the players. I've said many times, I don't think we are there or ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and [Manchester] City.

Chelsea travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday and will hope to close the gap on leaders Liverpool - who's clash with Everton was postponed on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions.