Paul Merson responds when asked if Chelsea star Moises Caicedo is better than Barcelona’s Rodri

According to a report by Football London on Monday, October 12, 2026, Paul Merson has described Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo as the best holding midfielder in world football while explaining the differences between the Ecuadorian and Barcelona’s Rodri.

Merson praised Caicedo following Chelsea’s emphatic 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth, where the midfielder returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a calf injury.

Chelsea had endured a difficult run of three league matches without a win, losing to Arsenal and Brentford before drawing 2-2 with Hull City. However, Xabi Alonso’s side bounced back with an impressive performance against Bournemouth, with Jordan Henderson and Joao Pedro scoring twice each.

Caicedo’s return provided another boost for Alonso, who had been keen to bring the 24-year-old back into his starting team. The midfielder played for 65 minutes as Chelsea recorded their first league victory in four matches.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson praised the partnership between Caicedo and Henderson, pointing to the different qualities both players bring to Chelsea’s midfield.

He said: “Caicedo, for me, is the best holding midfielder in the world of football.”

Merson explained that Henderson contributes experience to the midfield, while Caicedo offers defensive protection and allows Chelsea’s attacking players greater freedom to move forward.

The comparison between Caicedo and Rodri also highlights their contrasting strengths. The Manchester City midfielder, who now plays for Barcelona, is known for his passing ability and capacity to control the tempo of matches.

Statistics from the 2025-26 Premier League season show that Rodri completed an average of 87 passes per 90 minutes, compared with Caicedo’s 59.2.

However, Caicedo recorded more tackles, averaging 2.83 per 90 minutes against Rodri’s 2.1, while also registering more interceptions.

The Chelsea midfielder’s strengths include disrupting opposition attacks, winning duels and protecting the defence. Rodri, meanwhile, places greater emphasis on retaining possession and distributing the ball from deep.

Although both midfielders contribute defensively and in possession, their differing responsibilities make a direct comparison challenging.

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