Cole Palmer Shines in Premier League, but Enzo Maresca’s Favorite Player Isn’t Him – Joao Felix Reveals
Cole Palmer may be one of the Premier League’s most in-form stars right now, but he’s not considered Enzo Maresca’s ‘favourite player,’ according to his Chelsea teammate Joao Felix. Despite Palmer’s recent heroics on the pitch, Felix shared surprising insights into the dynamics within the Chelsea squad, revealing who the Italian coach holds in highest regard.
Palmer, the 22-year-old England international, made headlines on Saturday when he became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a match. His incredible display was the driving force behind Chelsea’s emphatic 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Having joined Chelsea last summer from Manchester City for an initial fee of £40 million, Palmer has quickly cemented himself as a key player in the Blues’ lineup, but it appears that Maresca has his eyes set on another standout talent.
Just days before Palmer’s record-breaking performance, he attended the EAFC 25 launch event in London alongside fellow teammate Joao Felix. During the event, Felix participated in a rapid-fire interview with Sky Sports, where he was asked a variety of lighthearted questions about his teammates. When asked about Enzo Maresca’s ‘favourite player,’ Felix didn’t hesitate to drop an unexpected name. After a brief pause, Felix smiled and said, “Moi,” referring to Moises Caicedo, the Ecuadorian midfielder who also joined Chelsea last summer in a British-record £115 million transfer.
While Palmer has undoubtedly been in the spotlight for his recent form, Maresca’s admiration for Caicedo speaks volumes about the Ecuadorian’s importance to Chelsea this season. The Italian coach has heaped praise on Caicedo, describing him as a “very important player” for the team. However, Maresca also acknowledged that Caicedo still has room to grow, particularly in his offensive contributions. “I knew Moi from his time at Brighton and watched many of his games. Right now, he’s crucial for us,” Maresca explained. “He’s performing well off the ball, but he needs to be more assertive on it and break lines better. He’s doing great, but there’s potential for even more.”
Indeed, Caicedo has become an essential cog in Maresca’s system, with his work rate and defensive abilities standing out in a Chelsea side that has seen its share of struggles this season. Notably, Caicedo has featured in more matches than any other Chelsea player so far, making him a key figure in Maresca’s tactical setup. Following his impressive display against West Ham last weekend, Maresca again singled out Caicedo for praise. “He is top,” Maresca stated. “His performance was excellent, but he has been fantastic since the beginning, and once again, he was outstanding.”
While Cole Palmer’s record-breaking performance and pivotal role in Chelsea’s recent success are undeniable, the fact that Enzo Maresca considers Caicedo his favourite player highlights the tactical importance the Ecuadorian midfielder holds in the team. Palmer’s flair and goal-scoring prowess have thrilled fans, but Caicedo’s reliability and defensive discipline are qualities Maresca values highly, ensuring that Chelsea remains balanced and competitive.
In the grand scheme of things, Palmer’s individual accolades may capture headlines, but it’s clear that Maresca’s appreciation for Caicedo reflects his strategic vision for the team. As Chelsea continues to push forward in both domestic and international competitions, the contributions of players like Palmer and Caicedo will be crucial to the club’s success. While one dazzles with goals and creativity, the other quietly dominates in midfield, forming a formidable combination that has the potential to take Chelsea to new heights under Maresca’
s leadership.