'Billion pound bottle job' is Chelsea's most important player - not Cole Palmer

That's the opinion of talkSPORT host and ex-Blues defender Jason Cunday, and it's a controversial one considering the 11 goals and six assists Palmer has recorded so far this season.

But Caicedo has also been a mainstay within Enzo Maresca's side, having played every league match this season as Palmer has.

In August 2023 the Ecuadorian signed for a British record fee of £115million from Brighton, and now he is worth every penny to Chelsea fans.

The Blues currently sit second in the Premier League, only two points behind Liverpool, thanks to top performances from the likes of Caicedo.

The versatile 23-year-old has slotted seamlessly into a side that has seen a lot of squad rotation, even at some points playing right-back.

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He is strong in the tackle and has the technical ability to kickstart attacks with a splitting pass or drive through the middle of the field.

And Cundy insists he's the best midfielder in the English top flight at the moment, ahead of Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch who has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances under Arne Slot.

Speaking on talkSPORT's latest Inside Chelsea show, Cundy said: "Chelsea were good for a kicking by everyone over the media because of the money spent, 'the billion pound bottle jobs', it was hard for anyone to look at Caicedo's performances and really credit them.

"I've been talking about Caicedo for a while now. This boy is the best midfielder in the country right now.

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"I think he's our most important player. People will argue Palmer, I understand that. I think he's our most important player because there's so much he can do and does do.

"The second goal we scored against Brentford. Win the ball, give it to Enzo, pass, finish."

Against Brentford, Caicedo was on fire - creating two chances, recovering the ball 13 times and also having a 100 per cent tackle success rate.

Earlier this season Caicedo formed a solid partnership with Romeo Lavia, and has also played well next to Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea's midfield understanding of space and how to open it has been a key aspect of their attack - often dragging opposition players out of position to send a pass through the lines to Nicolas Jackson who has scored nine goals this campaign.

"We've not seen the likes in the middle of the park winning the ball like that since N'Golo Kante," Cundy continued. "I'm not just talking about Chelsea, I'm talking about the league.

"Liverpool fans will say Gravenberch, and I get that because of the influence he's had on their up-turn in results, but right now Moises Caicedo, wow, what a player."

Since signing from the Seagulls Caicedo has become one of Chelsea's most reliable players, only missing two games.

Consistency which shows within his matches and does not go unnoticed by Maresca who claimed the Ecuadorian is as good as Arsenal's Declan Rice and Man City's Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

"For sure, he's now at that level, no doubt,' insisted Maresca, with no hint of hesitation.

"Unfortunately now Rodri has an injury, but Declan is playing and I think Moi can sit at that table with that kind of midfielder."