Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for Moises Caicedo after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
The Red Devils broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot but their lead was short lived.
Four minutes later a corner was headed clear into the path of Caicedo on the edge of the area with the midfielder producing a sublime volley to level the scores.
The goal capped what was an impressive display from the £115million man, who picked up the player of the match award.
Caicedo received criticism last season for failing to live up to his price tag but Redknapp feels he’s now doing just that.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: ‘When he first signed it was a difficult time but now you’re seeing the real Caicedo that was at Brighton.
‘I thought he was different class today. I don’t think the balance with him and Enzo Fernandez is right.’
Fernandez was named on the bench with Caicedo and Romeo Lavia occupying the two-man midfield.
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was also impressed with Caicedo’s goal and warned Argentina star Fernandez that he will need to fight for his place in the team following the performance of Lavia.
He said: ‘You’ve got to focus and keep your eye on the ball. I don’t think it’s something he’s known for. It’s a really clean strike.
‘You need extra players, you need a squad. People’s eyes were on Enzo Fernandez. Lavia can see a pass. Fernandez will have to work hard to get back into the team.
Speaking after the game, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said: ‘After the goal we tried to win. We are happy because we knew how difficult it would be.
‘The [United] players want to prove they’re good enough. A new manager with different ideas so we had to prepare a different way.’