Chelsea star Moises Caicedo sets record straight on Enzo Fernandez partnership fears

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez remain Chelsea’s first-choice midfield pairing but the duo’s partnership has been subjected to continued scrutiny from both pundits and supporters

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo insists his partnership with Enzo Fernandez is blossoming, despite suggestions they cannot play together.

The £222million duo remain Enzo Maresca’s first-choice midfield pairing but pundits and supporters have continually raised concerns that the two big-money signings do not complement one another’s game due to their similar styles.

Last December, former boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke openly about those claims and warned their on-pitch understanding will take some time.

But Caicedo remains adamant they are working together, stating: “Enzo and I get along very well, we talk, you can see it on the pitch, we are getting along better, we are playing more games together.”

“I am happy with how the season has started, working hard to continue doing well. Every game is better. I am adapting more and more to the club, with the new coach.”

Earlier this week, Alan Shearer claimed the arrivals of both Caicedo and Fernandez effectively forced Conor Gallagher out of the club following his transfer to Atletico Madrid.

Shearer said: “The issue Gallagher had was when Chelsea started paying the vast amounts of money for people like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Then it was always going to be difficult for a local lad to stay and play because, essentially, those players have to play to justify the transfer fee.

“That leaves people like Gallagher with a decision to make because you’re not going to play regularly, they’re always going to be ahead of you. And they’ll always be on more money than you, so you have to say good luck to the guys that do choose to go abroad.”

Meanwhile, Caicedo – speaking while away on international duty with Ecuador – also claimed Cole Palmer can rival Erling Haaland for the Premier League golden boot this season.

The prolific Manchester City phenomenon already has 10 goals to his name in just seven matches but Palmer is his closest competitor, alongside Bryan Mbeumo, with six.

Caicedo said: “He smells goals. He helps a lot when he scores, when he opens games, he is very important for us. He helps us open games very early. He will be there fighting with Haaland.”

Palmer, who has also registered five assists, recently bolstered his numbers with a stunning four-goal haul against Brighton. He has since been named the Premier League’s Player of the Month after also winning England’s Men’s Player of the Year award.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.