Chelsea fans have come to the realisation that Moises Caicedo is better than the centre-backs Xabi Alonso started against Sunderland after being deployed in a shock new role.

The Blues tasted defeat for the third time in four matches in all competitions, and this time it was against struggling Sunderland after Enzo Le Fee clinically dispatched a first-half penalty once Brian Brobbey forced Levi Colwill to foul him in the 18-yard box by using his sheer strength and pace.

Colwill and his centre-back partner, Wesley Fofana, struggled to live with the Dutchman during their time on the pitch and arguably fared better when Caicedo was shuffled into central defence after Estevao was substituted on.

Chelsea fans rave over Moises Caicedo's performance at centre-back

When Estevao replaced Colwill at half-time, the attacking change meant Caicedo was deployed into a deeper defensive role. At first, many fans questioned another bizarre decision from Alonso, who started without a recognisable centre-forward for another match.

But one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League also proved he was capable in central defence, receiving plaudits from large sections of the fanbase for his performance on X, while Wesley Fofana and Colwill were slammed for lacking authority.

"Caicedo is a better centre back than Colwill - and there’s where we’re at…still," one fan claimed.

"Caicedo might genuinely be our best CB..." someone else agreed. "Caicedo might be a better defender than most of our full backs!" a third exclaimed.

"Caicedo is doing 10 times better in Colwill’s position, yet Colwill still carries himself like he’s Maldini. The ego is unbelievable!" another supporter said, tearing into Colwill for his disastrous first half performance.

A fifth was equally in disbelief at how much better Caicedo was than their current defenders, writing: "Caicedo being a better CB than all the CB's we currently employ wasn't something I expected to see today."

Caicedo's show of versatility was arguably the only positive from a terrible performance at the Stadium of Light, with the 25-year-old recording a 91% pass completion (80/88), winning seven duels and making six defensive contributions across 90 minutes.

Moises Caicedo has played in multiple positions for Chelsea

The second half against Sunderland isn't the only time the Ecuador international has been moved from his natural number six role at Chelsea.

Towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Enzo Maresca used Caicedo at right-back on multiple occasions in Reece James' absence, but explained that his role still enabled him to move into midfield in possession anyway.

"I see Moi as a six in the way he is playing since we started," the former Chelsea boss said in May 2025.

“In the last games, he played some matches as a full-back off the ball, and then on the ball he is a six, a holding midfielder.”

Caicedo's versatility and world-class ability make him one of Alonso's most invaluable players, and he showed that once more on Sunday. Then again, the fact he was better than both Colwill and Fofana at centre-back against the Black Cats is more a cause for concern for the Spaniard.