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Antonio Valencia believes the strongest player in football is currently at Chelsea

Originally posted on HITC | By Luke Randall | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 12:58 PM ET

Antonio Valencia believes that Moises Caicedo is the most physically dominant player in football right now, putting him above everyone else in that regard.

Caicedo has given Chelsea a physical edge, and under Liam Rosenior, they have turned into a side that plays with more energy and intent. It has shown up on the stat sheet too.

The Blues have racked up 441 tackles so far this season and have a 59.76% success rate. That improved discipline at the back has played a big part in their rise to fifth in the table. They have also made 261 interceptions and cleared their lines 623 times.

And leading that charge is Caicedo, who has emerged as one of the league’s top ground-duel winners. He averages 5.6 ground duels won per game at an impressive 60.44% success rate, even ahead of players like Declan Rice.

Antonio Valencia picks Moises Caicedo as the strongest player in football

Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Antonio Valencia played 325 matches in the Premier League, first for Wigan and then during a long spell at Manchester United. Across his decade at Old Trafford, he won two league titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Europa League trophy.

Considering they are both Ecuadorian, it was unsurprising to learn that Caicedo chose Valencia as his football idol.

And now the admiration has gone both ways. Speaking to Benja Annun on TikTok, Valencia said Caicedo is the strongest player in world football right now.

The conversation covered several different attributes – from speed to strength – and when it came to physical power, the Chelsea midfielder was his pick.

Antonio Valencia doubles down on praise for Caicedo

Valencia has not shied away from big praise before. He previously ranked Caicedo among the top five players in world football.

“Caicedo is among the five best midfielders in the world. He did not enjoy a preseason with Chelsea, but his performances are getting better and better. He has been improving in the national team, which makes all Ecuadorians happy,” the former full-back said.

“We hope he continues to improve. He is a good boy, humble, hardworking. I watched most of his games and his level is growing.

“I hope that at the end of the season he will be the best in the Premier League.”

If Caicedo gets anywhere near what Valencia achieved during his time at Old Trafford, Chelsea fans have a lot to look forward to.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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