Manchester United have been heavily linked with a deal to bring in Ecuadorian wonderkid Moises Caicedo (Source Daily Record).

Depending on who you listen to; a deal is on verge of being sealed or it’s still far from being completed.

But why would United be interested in the youngster and what would they be getting if they manage to get his signature on a contract?

Well they’re interested in the midfielder because he is one of South America’s top young prospects, having helped his side Independiente del Valle to the U20 Copa Libertadores title and he’s already made a name for himself at senior level making his debut for the Ecuadorian national side back in October.

United have always scoured the globe looking for the next big thing and Moises looks like he’d fit that particular bill.

They would be getting a very accomplished teenager who has the ability to dictate play from the engine-room.

Even at his young age, Caicedo isn’t scared to get on the ball and make the game tick with his passes in midfield. He will often go back to his defence and take the ball off of the backline in deep positions and keep the flow going at a pace of his choosing. A bit like Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour.

I think Moises is more confident in charging forward with and without the ball when compared to Gilmour. He has the energy to be an all out box to box midfielder. That’s helped by his excellent close control when on the ball and his ability to dribble beyond opponents.

Being a catalyst in midfield, especially for someone so young, will always catch the attention of the big clubs in Europe. He always seems composed when he has the ball at his feet, even when surrounded by opposition players.

He is also adept at winning the ball without rushing in. Caicedo knows his strengthens and will often play to them, that includes being dogged in winning the ball back for his team.

The quick step-up onto the international scene hasn’t seemed to faze the teenager either. Grabbing his first goal for his country in a win over Uruguay, showing us he isn’t scared of having pop at goal – which will only become more consistent the older he gets!

A huge positive for Man United or any potential suitor could be the fact that Moises Caicedo has so far relished the challenge whenever he has had to make that next step in his career. That doesn’t mean he’d walk straight into the Red Devils starting eleven. It would probably be better for him to play with the Under-23s at Old Trafford and for him to get used to his surroundings and the style of English football, especially if he were to join during this transfer window. But I’d not be surprised to see him making the match day squad of the senior side before the end of this campaign, if a deal were to happen.

You can also see why a move to Manchester United might appeal to the youngster. They are a global footballing powerhouse and they also had Ecuadorian hero Antonio Valencia within their ranks for a number of years.

Moises Caicedo has already stated his desire to play in one of the world’s bigger leagues:

“My challenge is one day to be in the elite of world football. I have proposed this to myself, my dream is to play in the big leagues,”

Moises Caicedo via Sport Witness

That dream could become a reality if Man United can come to an agreement with Independiente del Valle and bring the talented prospect to the Premier League.

Posted on January 6th, 2021 by scott
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