I think it's because of the stats. Remember we are stats driving by the higher ups. This was an article discussing Caicedo vs Rice from Skysport and at the bottom they put this info there: If anything, the stats suggest that it is another Englishman who is closest to challenging Caicedo for the best Premier League midfielder tag. That being Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. Anderson leads the way in multiple categories at either end of the pitch, including passes completed, duels won, recoveries and possession won. That form is certainly enough for him to deserve a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans. But enough to be considered the best in the league? Most would argue such a debate would be a little premature. That doesn't apply to Caicedo, though. The impact he continues to have on the world champions certainly puts him at the forefront of those in line for the crown. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/13445937/moises-caicedo-is-there-a-better-midfielder-than-the-Chelsea-star-in-the-premier-league