Gus Poyet call on two Chelsea players to improve significantly
Gus Poyet urges two Chelsea players to improve significantly
Gus Poyet has named the two Chelsea players that are underperforming right now.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, both aged 22, are two high-profile midfielders at Stamford Bridge.
There’s certainly a lot of expectation on the South American duo, largely because of their mega price tags.
Fernandez moved to Chelsea almost a year ago in a £106.8million deal (Sky Sports). Meanwhile, the Blues paid £115million (Sky Sports) for Caicedo in the summer.
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino is definitely still trying to get the best from the central midfield pairing.
Gus Poyet message
Gus Poyet feels that both Fernandez and Caicedo can do way more to justify their transfer fees.
Ally McCoist said on talkSPORT (8:12am, 19 December): “I was a little bit concerned the times I’ve seen them with Caicedo and Fernandez in the middle of the park I must admit I’ve been looking for a little bit more.
Poyet responded: “Yes, first of all for me, when you have two centre midfielders that cost you £100m each, they should be the best centre midfielders in the Premier League without any doubt.
“When you have that price tag on yourself, you have to perform at that level, both players they have to do a little bit more.
“I know the team is important around you, but £100m for a centre midfielder, you can show on your own if you are worth that money.
“So yes they need a team but they need to get a little bit better.”
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo form
Journalist Simon Phillips reported via Substack earlier this month that Chelsea’s owners are disappointed by the form of both Fernandez and Caicedo so far this season.
In fairness, Conor Gallagher has stepped up as the best performing midfielder at the club this campaign.
We’re fascinated to see if the trio of Fernandez, Caicedo and Gallagher all starts in tonight’s huge Carabao Cup quarter-final tie versus Newcastle United.
Caicedo does bring the athleticism and defensive awareness in the centre of the park. As for Fernandez, he’s got the guile and vision on the ball. It would be great if the duo can both catch form at the same time this evening at home to Newcastle.