Joe Cole has named the best signing of the season and hailed Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo as the ‘most improved player in the Premier League’.
Caicedo has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season, making 44 appearances in all competitions.
He in fact became the first central midfielder to start every game for Chelsea in a Premier League season since Frank Lampard in 2004-05.
The 23-year-old quickly established himself as one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League during his spell at Brighton but endured an underwhelming first season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea spent over £100m to sign Caicedo but fans were left disappointing by his first 12 months in west London.
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Caicedo has looked back to his best this season, however, flourishing in Chelsea’s midfield and even filling in at right-back when needed.
The Ecuador international helped Chelsea qualify for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and reach Wednesday night’s Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.
Ex-Chelsea and England midfielder Cole says Caicedo has been ‘outstanding’ this season and believes he can ‘kick on’ next year.
‘For me, the most improved award is going to someone who I’ve watched regularly and that’s Moises Caicedo,’ Cole told Paddy Power.
‘Not that he wasn’t a top player before, but he went off the boil slightly, however this season he’s been outstanding.
‘I’m sure the transfer fee weighed heavily on his shoulders, but he seemed to reset himself this year and he’s been great. I think he’ll kick on next season and be even better than this year.’
Joe Cole’s Premier League awards
Player of the season – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
‘My player of the season for this year is Mo Salah. He’s won the title in emphatic fashion. I know he’s tailed off in recent weeks, but he deserves a restful summer.’
Young player of the season – Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
‘My young player of the season is Myles Lewis-Skelly. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s conducted himself and I really like him. I think he’s going to be England’s left-back for the next 10 years.’
Signing of the season – Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
‘The best signing of the season has to be Dean Huijsen. He’s been brilliant for Bournemouth this season and that’s clear to see with Real Madrid snapping him up for £50m. He’s been outstanding this season and thoroughly deserves his move to Madrid.’
Most improved player of the season – Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
‘For me, the most improved award is going to someone who I’ve watched regularly and that’s Moises Caicedo. Not that he wasn’t a top player before, but he went off the boil slightly, however this season he’s been outstanding.
‘I’m sure the transfer fee weighed heavily on his shoulders, but he seemed to reset himself this year and he’s been great. I think he’ll kick on next season and be even better than this year.’
Underachievers of the season – West Ham
‘The biggest underachievers this season has to be West Ham. They changed managers mid-season and Graham Potter needs time, but the squad just weren’t good enough this season. The only player who really stood out is Jarrod Bowen.’
Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season to secure Champions League football for next year.
‘Very happy,’ Blues boss Enzo Maresca said. ‘I’m very happy for many reasons. First of all, because I think the players deserve it.
‘Since day one they have been working very, very hard. With the club, with the owners, with the sporting directors, the players, we all go in the same direction.
‘And I said many times during the season that the noise was more from outside than from inside.
‘City lost here, Arsenal drew here, Liverpool drew here and Chelsea won. So it’s not easy. It’s not easy. The players, they show how good they are, the effort they have been.
’12th two years ago, sixth last year and fourth this season. With probably the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League. So, very happy.’
Chelsea are hoping to end an encouraging season under Maresca by winning the Europa League final. La Liga side Real Betis are their opponents in the final in Poland.
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