According to the latest data, Moises Caicedo has been dethroned as Chelsea’s top performer in the 2025-26 campaign, with an unexpected academy graduate taking the top spot.

Ask most Blues fans who their standout performer has been this season and the answer is usually unanimous: Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian midfielder has been the engine room of Enzo Maresca’s side, seemingly justifying his British record price tag with every energetic display.

However, statistics paint a different picture following a turbulent week for the midfielder. According to WhoScored, Caicedo is no longer the highest-rated player at Stamford Bridge. That honour now belongs to a man who, just months ago, looked certain to leave the club permanently.

Caicedo’s red card proves costly in rankings

Until recently, Caicedo was flying high in the Premier League player ratings. However, his dismissal during the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on November 30 has significantly damaged his average score. The red card — awarded for a poor challenge on Mikel Merino — saw his game rating plummet, dragging his season average down.

As a result, Caicedo has dropped to 13th in the overall Premier League player rankings. While he remains integral to Maresca’s system, the suspension and statistical dip have opened the door for a teammate to quietly overtake him.

Chalobah rated as Chelsea’s best player

Sitting above Caicedo — and indeed every other Chelsea player — is Trevoh Chalobah. The 26-year-old centre-back is currently the 10th highest-rated player in the entire division with an impressive average rating of 7.18.

It is a remarkable turnaround for a defender who has endured multiple "freeze-outs" and loan spells, including a stint at Crystal Palace. Since returning to the fold, Chalobah has been a picture of consistency. His headed goal against Arsenal salvaged a point for the 10 men, and he followed that up with a commanding display in the 0-0 draw away at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Fofana partnership brings stability

Chelsea’s defensive issues have often stemmed from constant rotation, but Maresca seems to have stumbled upon a winning formula. The partnership between Chalobah and Wesley Fofana is proving to be the club's most robust pairing.

When the two play together, Chelsea look significantly more assured in possession and resilient out of possession. Chalobah’s ability to cover ground and Fofana’s aggression complement each other well, providing a platform that the Blues have lacked for the best part of two years.

Transfer speculation continues despite form

Despite his status as the club’s statistically best performer, Chalobah’s long-term future remains the subject of intense speculation. As an academy graduate, he represents "pure profit" on the balance sheet — a fact that sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are acutely aware of.

With the January window approaching, his current form will either convince the hierarchy to keep him as a key pillar of the defence or inadvertently drive his price up for potential suitors.

What next for Chelsea?

Maresca will be hoping to navigate a tricky December period without further suspensions. The Blues face a quick turnaround with a Champions League trip to Atalanta on Tuesday, followed by a Premier League clash against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Looking further ahead, Chelsea’s preseason plans for the 2026-27 campaign are already sparking debate. According to recent reports, the club have scheduled a lucrative friendly on the other side of the world just nine days after the 2026 World Cup final. It is a decision that is likely to raise concerns regarding player welfare, particularly for internationals like Caicedo and Chalobah who will hope to be involved in the summer tournament.