Graham Potter has insisted that Moises Caicedo is proving his doubters wrong at Chelsea, after initially coming under fire for underwhelming performances and an immense £115million transfer fee.
The former Blues manager worked with the Ecuadorian at Brighton, where the midfielder became well-known for dominant midfield displays in a free-flowing Seagulls side.
His stock continued to rise once Potter made the switch to Stamford Bridge, helping the south coast outfit to sixth place, their highest ever finish.
Caicedo's talent caught the eye of Chelsea last summer and he transferred to Mauricio Pochettino's side for a hefty price tag but his performances dipped as the team struggled.
Now, with the 22-year-old playing a key role in a promising Blues squad, former boss Potter has heaped praise on the midfielder and suggested he is 'showing everyone his true quality', in an piece for the BBC.
Graham Potter has insisted that Moises Caicedo is proving his doubters wrong at Chelsea ,
The former Blues manager worked with the Ecuadorian at Brighton , where the midfielder became well-known for dominant midfield displays
His stock continued to rise at Brighton, even once Potter made the switch to Stamford Bridge
He said: 'It feels like Chelsea are starting to see the real Moises Caicedo, and I am not surprised their results have improved now he is doing so well.
'The way it began for him with us at Brighton was similar to what happened when he first joined Chelsea, in that it felt like he has had to suffer and dig in before coming out the other side and showing everyone his true quality.
'Moises has had to cope with a lot of criticism of his £115m price tag, and also criticism of him personally as a player in terms of what he has given to the team, so it's no wonder he admitted he lost some confidence.'
Potter compared Caicedo's plight, and subsequent revival, to that of fellow Brighton alumnus Marc Cucurella, who made the switch a year prior.
He said that both players entered a side in transition and were now reaping the benefits playing in a team that is gelling once again.
The former Swansea boss described Caicedo's arrival from Ecuador and how he endured a tough loan spell in Belgium, which showed his 'world class' mentality.
He added that this is also shown in the midfielder's rigid following of manager Enzo Maresca's orders, despite his natural game being more attacking.
For Chelsea he is currently playing as a holding man, allowing the side's array of attacking talent to surge forward.
Potter added that Caicedo's 'world class' mentality is also shown in the midfielder's rigid following of manager Enzo Maresca's orders
The Ecuadorian initially disappointed in a struggling Mauricio Pochettino outfit
Potter compared Caicedo's plight, and subsequent revival, to that of fellow Brighton alumnus Marc Cucurella
Caicedo has started every game in the Premier League this season and has been instrumental in the Blues' surprisingly good start, with the west London side finding themselves in fourth after seven matches.
Potter's comments see the Englishman continue his return to the public consciousness after more than a year in the wilderness following his Chelsea sacking.
Today it was revealed that the former Bles boss was not interviewed for the role of England manager, which eventually was given to German Thomas Tuchel.