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Alan Shearer heaps praise on 'top player' Moises Caicedo at Brighton
Alan Shearer believes Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo will be a “top player” and is one to keep an eye on during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The 21-year-old starred in Ecuador’s 2-0 victory against Qatar on Sunday November 20 and has been in brilliant form for Brighton this season.
After joining the club for just £4.5 million in January last year, Caicedo established himself as a first-team regular under Graham Potter and is now valued at an eyewatering £85 million. [Fabrizio Romano]
Shearer singled out the Brighton youngster in the BBC studio ahead of the opening match of the World Cup, in which Caicedo starred.
He said: “He’s going to be a top player and he could be one that really stands out. He’s only 21 and he’s the heartbeat of this young side.
“He made his debut two years ago and the manager asked him to man-mark Lionel Messi which tells you the trust he has in him. He can do a little bit of everything, he’s athletic, he can tackle, he can pass, he can read the game. Scores one or two goals.
“What’s also important is that he’s got a really good link-up with his Brighton teammate down the left-hand-side, Estupinian, and they’re strong down there. That’s one to keep an eye on, they understand each other’s game and link up well. That’s certainly one for us to watch tonight.”
Talent
Caicedo’s rise through the Brighton ranks has been quite remarkable considering The Seagulls brought him for just £4.5 million last year.
Since his breakout season, the midfielder has gone from strength to strength and is showing no signs of stopping.
With Chelsea very much in the market for a midfielder following the constant injuries to N’Golo Kante, Caicedo could be a ready-made appointment if they have no luck luring Declan Rice away from West Ham.
Brighton are notoriously tough negotiators though when it comes to selling their star players, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the 21-year-old go for the full price tag.
If Ecuador can qualify from Group A at the World Cup with Caicedo as their heartbeat, his stock and price will be likely to continue soaring upwards. A match-up against Frankie de Jong in the Dutch midfield is set to be a pulsating affair and will highlight the level at which the Ecuadorian is operating at.
In other news, Billy Gilmour ready to leave Brighton on loan for Europe – report.