Moises Caicedo return could transform Chelsea midfield under Xabi Alonso

Moises Caicedo’s return to regular Premier League football could prove crucial to Chelsea’s attempts to find stability under Xabi Alonso, according to Sky Sports News’ James Savundra.

Caicedo has played just 14 minutes in the Premier League this season, leaving Alonso with few opportunities to establish a settled midfield combination.

Savundra believes Chelsea’s midfield has been one of the biggest areas of uncertainty during the opening weeks of Alonso’s reign, with the club potentially using the period before January to assess their options.

Midfield revamp

“Moises Caicedo has only played 14 minutes in the Premier League this season and the midfield has changed every single week,” Savundra said.

That instability was highlighted when Jordan Henderson made his first Chelsea appearance against Brentford, starting alongside Valentin Barco.

However, Savundra believes Chelsea could look significantly different once key players return to fitness.

“I think Chelsea will look very different moving forward when you have Marco Palestra fit - he was really impressive in pre-season playing as one of the wing backs - and Caicedo alongside a midfielder,” he said.

The Ecuador international could therefore have an important role in determining whether Chelsea need to strengthen the position when the January transfer window opens.

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January reinforcements 

“You feel like between now and January it's going to be a case of which midfielder can audition the best and prove to the Chelsea ownership group and to Xabi Alonso that they don't need to sign a midfielder in this transfer window,” Savundra added.

Romeo Lavia has remained fit and completed several matches, although his absence against Brentford has raised questions over how consistently Alonso can rely on him.

Reece James could also eventually become an option in midfield, although Savundra believes the Chelsea captain is still adapting to the role.

James and Caicedo pivot 

“The dream scenario would probably be Caicedo alongside James,” he said.

James has already been criticised for failing to track runners in games against Arsenal and Leeds, highlighting the defensive demands of his new position.

Savundra nevertheless believes Chelsea’s situation could improve significantly once their squad is healthier.

“Things will look much better when everybody's fit,” he said, with patience from Alonso and the ownership group likely to be required during the rebuilding process.

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