Mauricio Pochettino could build the perfect midfield at Chelsea once Kendry Paez joins Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge
Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez have given Mauricio Pochettino a taste of what Chelsea's midfield could look like in a couple of years – and there's a lot to look forward to. The Blues duo guided Ecuador to a crucial 2-1 win over Uruguay, securing the first three-points of their 2024 World Cup qualifying campaign.
While Paez basked in the limelight, the former Brighton star quietly put in an honourable performance of his own. In fact, it didn't take long before Caicedo enjoyed a brilliant five-pass combination with the teenage sensation.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Paez offloaded the ball to Caicedo, who then popped the ball back into his path. Paez, who beat his marker with a fantastic one-two, looked to escape the Uruguayan press once more and returned the ball back to Caicedo.
The 21-year-old played the ball around the corner and into space ahead of Paez, beating another Uruguay player with a simple pass and move sequence. Eager to win back possession, the teenager was shut down but he quickly released Caicedo, who turned and unleashed a pin-point diagonal pass.
While Pochettino won't be able to begin working with Paez at Cobham training ground until he turns 18 in two-years time, the Chelsea boss has been given a glimpse at what Chelsea's dream midfield could look like one day. Adding Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu and Andrey Santos into the mix too, the Blues have a recipe for success.
Paez's rise to superstardom has not come as a surprise for Caicedo, who described him as an 'incredible talent' in July. The Blues midfielder told La Cancha Con Majo: "He’s a crack! The truth is there are times where I watch Independiente games, it’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.
"I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing. All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible."
Boom07
210
Please Stop Pretending Chelsea Fc are doing well. They are not and Pochettino needs to be focused on what Chelsea will look like for the next match. Measuring his options in years is wishful thinking in the best scenario.