Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification took a hit on Sunday as the Blues slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at St. James’ Park — and once again, the spotlight fell on Enzo Maresca’s puzzling decision to deploy Moises Caicedo at right-back.
For the third consecutive Premier League match, Caicedo, Chelsea’s reigning Player of the Season, was stationed at full-back rather than in his preferred midfield role. While the Ecuadorian impressed in the position against Liverpool last weekend, Newcastle ruthlessly exposed his positional limitations, particularly during Sandro Tonali’s early opener.
The goal came just two minutes into the match, with Caicedo losing track of Anthony Gordon’s movement before failing to recover as Tonali stormed in to score.
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch was quick to highlight Caicedo’s defensive lapse during his analysis on TNT Sports.
“He definitely switched off. Newcastle started so quickly, perfect start for them,” Crouch said. “Initially he does really well, Caicedo stays with Anthony Gordon and then they just get themselves in a right mess here. Sandro Tonali’s pressing is unbelievable, his physicality, he’s always on the front foot. And then Caicedo just switches off.”
Caicedo’s struggles didn’t go unnoticed by former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin either, who told BBC Radio 5 Live that the midfielder looked completely out of sorts in his unfamiliar role.
“Last week I was surprised that Caicedo didn’t get sent off with the challenges he was putting in,” Nevin remarked. “So what do Newcastle do? First minute they put the ball in behind him to Anthony Gordon and that eventually led to the goal.”
Nevin continued: “When he is back there he just seems rash and out of position. He is Chelsea’s Player of the Year this season but he is out of position and Anthony Gordon is already giving him a tough time.”
Recognising the tactical misfire, Maresca made an important adjustment at half-time, bringing off Noni Madueke for captain Reece James, who slotted back into his natural right-back role. Caicedo was finally moved back into midfield — and Chelsea immediately looked more assured.
“Chelsea in this half now have square pegs in square holes and actually look like they know what they are doing,” Nevin observed.
“They have done since the first minute of the [second] half.”
The decision to persist with Caicedo at right-back — despite the presence of natural defenders and the potential risk it carries — has left fans and pundits scratching their heads. While versatility is a valuable trait in modern football, it’s clear that playing Caicedo out of position does more harm than good, both to the player and to Chelsea’s overall structure.
With a tough run of fixtures ahead and Champions League places still up for grabs, Maresca may need to rethink his approach — and quickly. Because if Sunday’s defeat proved anything, it’s that Moises Caicedo belongs in midfield, not marooned at right-back.