According to a report by Football London on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Everton midfielder Hayden Hackney has named Chelsea star Moises Caicedo as the toughest opponent he has faced in his career, praising the Ecuadorian’s quality and influence in midfield.

Everton recently suffered a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea, with Pedro Neto scoring both goals for Xabi Alonso’s side. Hackney, however, remained an unused substitute during the Premier League encounter.

Despite not featuring in that match, the 24 year old has faced Chelsea in previous games and experienced Caicedo’s abilities firsthand.

In a video published on the Premier League’s official YouTube channel, Hackney was asked to name the best player he had played against. The Everton summer signing responded by selecting Caicedo.

His choice is understandable, given the Chelsea midfielder’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s best performers in his position. His importance to the team has become increasingly clear since returning from injury.

Caicedo has helped Chelsea improve their defensive stability and maintain a better balance in midfield. Their 2-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium also secured their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months.

Although Chelsea’s midfield is beginning to show improvement under Alonso, the club could still consider adding more quality to that area. Enzo Fernandez was not replaced on deadline day, while Jordan Henderson has delivered encouraging performances despite being 36 years old.

Chelsea have also maintained an interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who could become a long term option in the centre of the pitch.

Caicedo’s defensive abilities help explain why Hackney considers him such a difficult opponent. The Ecuadorian combines strong tackling with excellent awareness, allowing him to read attacks and intercept passes before opponents can create dangerous opportunities.

According to WhoScored, Caicedo averaged 2.6 tackles per game last season, the highest figure among Chelsea players. He also recorded 1.8 interceptions per match, leading his teammates in that category.

These statistics highlight his importance to Chelsea’s defensive structure. His ability to win possession and disrupt opposition attacks makes him a challenging midfielder to face.

Hackney’s selection reflects the significant influence Caicedo can have on a match, particularly when competing against opponents in the middle of the pitch.