When it comes to world-class players, Chelsea really are spoilt for choice.
The likes of Reece James, Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella could all probably be classed in that bracket.
However, when it comes to the most important star in Enzo Maresca’s squad, it’s hard to look past the one-man midfield that is Moises Caicedo.
The £115m man has more than lived up to his price tag since his move in 2023, and now it looks like Chelsea are planning to sign someone who could be an even younger version of the Ecuadorian star.
Chelsea target their next Caicedo
Now, some fans might question the wisdom of targeting another midfield player when there are already plenty in the squad.
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However, the counterargument is that Roméo Lavia and Dario Essugo are unreliable, and so far this season, Maresca seems to prefer Andrey Santos and Enzo Fernandes slightly further up the pitch.
Therefore, it would seem wise for the club to go out and sign another highly rated midfielder who can make the middle of the park his own, which is what they appear to be trying to do.
At least, that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are among several teams interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi.
In fact, the report has revealed that ‘the Blues could knock on Lille’s door in January with a €45–50 million bid,’ which is about £47m.
However, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested as well, this deal could get rather costly and complicated.
Even so, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, as on top of being an excellent prospect in his own right, Bouaddi could also be Maresca’s new Caicedo.
Why Bouaddi could be Chelsea's new Caicedo
It should almost go without saying that while Bouaddi is an immense talent and someone who could do a job today while getting better and better as the seasons go on, he’s not going to be able to perform at Caicedo’s level right away.
To expect an 18-year-old to match one of the best midfielders in the entire Premier League from the word go would be absurd.
However, the Lille gem could certainly do a job for Chelsea this season, and already shares several similarities with the Ecuadorian.
For example, he is someone who can and has played in both central and defensive midfield thanks to his impressive ability in all phases of play.
Like the Blues star, the youngster is someone who can help break up the opposition’s attack before helping to launch one for his own team.
Bouaddi’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Blocks
1.99
Top 1%
Pass Completion % (Long)
88.0%
Top 2%
Passes Blocked
1.56
Top 2%
Successful Take-Ons
1.39
Top 8%
Tackles (Att 3rd)
0.61
Top 10%
Successful Take-On %
69.6%
Top 10%
Touches (Att Pen)
2.60
Top 16%
Shots Blocked
0.43
Top 19%
All Stats via FBref
You can see this impressive skill set in his underlying numbers.
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According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for blocks, the top 2% for long-pass completion, the top 8% for successful take-ons, the top 16% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area, and more, all per 90.
Furthermore, like the former Brighton & Hove Albion star was a few years ago, the teenager is now being hailed as one of the most exciting midfield prospects in European football.
For example, the Guardian’s Ed Aarons dubbed him one of “the best young talents in world football,” and respected scout Jacek Kulig called him a “10/10 talent.”
Ultimately, while it might be a tough transfer to get over the line, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Bouaddi, especially as he could be Maresca’s new Caicedo.
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