Ciaran Morrison

Thu 23 October 2025 7:30, UK

Pat Nevin may never say one thing about Moises Caicedo again after the Chelsea midfielder starred in the Blues’ Champions League win over Ajax.

Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest made it back-to-back wins for the Blues and they carried on their winning streak by thrashing Dutch side Ajax at Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo, the subject of strong transfer interest, was one of five players on the scoresheet as the Blues benefited from an early red card to visiting midfielder Kenneth Taylor.

Enzo Maresca‘s side have won two of their three league phase fixtures in the competition with a trip to Qarabag next in the competition.

Moises Caicedo stars at right-back

Caicedo was forced to start at right-back due to the unavailability of both Reece James and Malo Gusto.

Pat Nevin told BBC Sport, [22 October], before the match: “There are Chelsea fans out there who don’t have a clue what is going on [with their team selections].

“Tonight we expect [Moises] Caicedo – who many people have suggested is the best midfielder in the league – to play at right full back. I have watched him play there a number of times and he is not very good at it. They are sticking payers in strange places.

“I still wouldn’t be surprised if they won tonight, but it is hard to follow sometimes.“

However, Caicedo not only scored a goal but did not make an error leading to a shot, won all his aerial duels and successfully completed 95% of his passes.

Caicedo earns deserved rest

With Chelsea cruising in the contest, Maresca decided to substitute Caicedo off with over 40 minutes remaining.

Maresca had made a triple sub at half-time with Enzo Fernandez, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo also rested.

Goals for Guiu and Tyrique George will have pleased Maresca alongside being able to rotate his starting XI in the second half and continue to build momentum.

With games still to come against Qarabag and Pafos, Chelsea have already put themselves into a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.