Caicedo vs. Makelele: Chelsea's No.6 Debate & Title Hopes

Moises Caicedo has, due to the position that he fills, drawn obvious comparisons with Chelsea legend Claude Makelele. Is the Ecuadorian deserving of such a big billing? Former Blues star Gus Poyet has explained to GOAL why another talismanic holding midfielder has a vital role to play at Stamford Bridge and how he can follow in the footsteps of some title-winning icons.

It’s a role that defines eras, a position where legends are forged: the defensive midfielder. At Chelsea, the No. 6 isn’t just a jersey number; it's a sacred mantle, passed from giants like Claude Makelele to N'Golo Kante, and now worn by Moises Caicedo. Can the Ecuadorian truly fill those colossal boots and drive the Blues back to the pinnacle?

Key Points:

Moises Caicedo is proving crucial to Chelsea's current setup after a tough start.

Ex-Blue Gus Poyet believes it's too early for direct comparisons to Claude Makelele but acknowledges Caicedo's vital role.

The 'old-fashioned' No. 6 remains indispensable in modern football, according to Poyet.

Chelsea continues to heavily invest in building a title-challenging squad around their key midfielder.

The Unsung Architect: Makelele's Chelsea Reign

Rewind to 2003, when Roman Abramovich’s ambitious project at Chelsea landed a global elite talent in Claude Makelele from Real Madrid. A year later, Jose Mourinho arrived, revolutionizing the club and building a formidable squad that famously conceded just 15 goals in the 2004-05 Premier League season. Makelele was the silent force, intercepting plays and shielding the likes of John Terry and Petr Cech, setting the gold standard for the modern defensive midfielder.

Caicedo's Crucible: Earning the Makelele Comparison

Fast forward to the present, and Moises Caicedo now shoulders that immense responsibility at Stamford Bridge. Acquired in 2023 for a staggering £100 million from Brighton, the young Ecuadorian has faced immense pressure. While initial comparisons to Makelele have been swift, former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet offers a grounded perspective.

"Makelele, his trajectory, his career was incredible. I think he [Caicedo] needs to keep performing at this level for a few years to be able to compare," Poyet told GOAL. He highlights Caicedo's undeniable importance, noting the stark difference in team performance with and without him. Poyet also credits the influence of players like Jordan Henderson, who allow Caicedo to fully express his game.

The Modern Maestro: Kante's Dominance and the No.6 Legacy

The discussion around Chelsea's pivotal No. 6 isn't complete without N'Golo Kante. Following his Leicester heroics, Kante solidified his legend at Stamford Bridge, becoming a cornerstone of Antonio Conte's 2016-17 Premier League title-winning side. His relentless energy and unparalleled ground coverage set a new benchmark.

Poyet emphasizes that both Makelele and Kante possessed unique attributes: Makelele’s foresight and game reading, and Kante’s astonishing work rate. These qualities underscore the timeless need for a specialist No. 6 – an 'old-fashioned' midfielder who protects the backline, a role often overlooked in today's possession-heavy, attacking-focused systems.

Stamford Bridge's Ambition: Building a Title-Winning Core

Moises Caicedo has quickly become a pivotal figure at Chelsea, even donning the captain's armband in some fixtures. His value to the club’s ambitious project is clear. Chelsea’s significant transfer spending, bringing in talents like Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, and Emi Martinez, aims to build a squad capable of returning to the summit of English and European football. Caicedo, as the anchor, is central to this grand vision.