Moises Caicedo did just about everything right against Ivory Coast on June 14. He completed 92% of his passes, delivered 3 key passes, and put in the kind of defensive shift that has made him one of the most sought-after midfielders on the planet. Ecuador still lost 1-0.
A last-minute goal from Amad Diallo Traore was the dagger, turning what looked like a well-earned point into a gut-punch defeat at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Caicedo’s performance by the numbers
Caicedo paired 92% pass accuracy with 3 key passes, meaning he wasn’t just playing safe sideways balls to pad his numbers. He was actively trying to unlock the Ivory Coast defense, threading passes into dangerous areas where teammates could create chances.
His defensive contributions were equally notable. Caicedo has built his reputation at Chelsea as a player who can win the ball back in transition and immediately turn defense into attack. Against Ivory Coast, he maintained that identity on the biggest stage, recovering possession in key areas and disrupting the opposition’s rhythm through the middle of the park.
