‘World-class’ – Daniel Gabbidon in love with ‘grinch’ who starred in Cardiff City vs Chelsea
Cardiff City supporters were in the presence of a “world-class” footballer during their Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea on Tuesday.
Enzo Maresca decided to rest Cole Palmer for the trip to South Wales, with a much-changed lineup from the one which beat Everton to move to fourth in the Premier League table.
There is currently some friction at Stamford Bridge after Maresca spoke out about Chelsea’s hierarchy, but all focus was on the Carabao Cup quarter-final action on 16 December.
Alejandro Garnacho and David Turnbull exchanged goals at the Cardiff City Stadium, before in-form winger Pedro Neto smashed home a second, and the first goalscorer grabbed another to seal a 3-1 win.
But it was one of the Premier League midfielders who caught the eye during the clash, especially Daniel Gabbindon’s.
Moises Caicedo simply stunning at the Cardiff City Stadium
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, transcribed by BBC Sport (16 December, 8:21pm), Gabbidon said: “That’s going to be a good battle tonight, Caicedo up against young Joel Colwill.
“Caicedo’s like the Grinch in that midfield area. A disruptor. A world-class player for me. A great experience for Joel Colwill to come up against him.”
While the Ecuadorian international picked up a yellow card for sarcastic applause, with the Blues facing a frustrating opening 45 minutes, his class was like a diamond in the rough on the night.
The 24-year-old created a total of four chances, made 10 recoveries, won 88 per cent of his ground duels, as well as 100 per cent of his aerial duels, and even saw a shot blocked [FotMob].
Gabbidon clearly in disagreement with Caicedo after first-half incident
As discussed, referee Tony Harrington was clearly in no mood for dissent on the night, with Caicedo’s name being taken into the book after the Chelsea star was caught sarcastically applauding.
The Bluebirds had won a free-kick in a dangerous position just before the half-time break, and the extra caution will have frustrated his manager, undoubtedly.
Watching the moment unfold [BBC Sport], Gabbidon said: “Caicedo not liking the decision and you’ll always get a yellow card for that, applauding the decision that the referee’s made.”
In the Premier League so far, he has picked up two yellow cards and one red, a far cry from his cautions from the previous season, but there is still some immaturity present in his game that needs addressing.