With Moises Caicedo reportedly ‘close to becoming a Man United player’, a fan of his current team Independiente del Valle explained what fans could expect from him if he arrives at Old Trafford and wrote on Reddit: “Hey all, it seems like the diamond of Ecuador is joining the Red Devils.
“So I thought I’d give an overview of him, being that I’m a fan of the club he’s currently at and have watched him for a while.
Position and role in the team
“Caicedo’s original position is lone DM, this is what he has played since his academy days. Independiente Del Valle (his current club) always plays a 4-3-3 and he was the Sergio Busquets of the team.
“Starting in March, he moved from the u20s to the senior team at our club. Here, he’s played as box to box in most games (which is why you see him pushing up a lot in his highlight vids). He has also played in his original lone DM position, and he has even played CB a few games. He’s shined in all these positions.
A really versatile player
“Needless to say he is extremely versatile. He has great long passes,great tackling, a good shot from long distance. If United want him to sit back in the midfield while Pogba and Fernandes go up, he will do that. If Pogba leaves and United want him to replace him and go forward, he will shine. If all of United's Cbs catch covid (God forbid) and they need a CB, he will step up.
“However, what makes him great is his decision making, vision and composure. His game is based around football IQ, not physics stats. This is why I believe he will adapt anywhere he goes and is something you can’t really see in a highlight video. He is a conductor leading his orchestra.
Should be put straight into the first-team squad
“Now in regards to what role he will have at United: In my opinion, it doesn’t make sense to put him in the U23 squad. Caicedo won everything at the u20 level (league title, Copa Libertadores), he is now a full international for the Ecuador national team that has dominated World Cup qualifying so far.
“And Moises Caicedo is among the most important players in the squad. In 4 games, he has 1 goal and 3 assists against the likes of Uruguay and Colombia whom he stole the show against. This is the Uruguay who has Betancur and Valverde in the midfield, and a Colombia with James Rodriguez and Cuadrado.
More experienced than Pellistri and Diallo
“He DEBUTED for the national team against a Messi lead Argentina (AT ARGENTINA) and shined in the second half. The kid is ready for prime time. This is not Pellistri who has only played in his local league, or Diallo who has 40 minutes of Senior football (both are still talented players, but Moises is more developed).
“I think he should play all cup/ Europa league games and should definitely be getting PL minutes.”
Of course, there is still quite some way to go for the Caicedo deal to be official, but the Ecuadorian midfielder seems like a really talented individual who can improve our midfield depth if he arrives in January.
