Chelsea star Moises Caicedo has been named Ecuador’s new captain, replacing Enel Valencia, who resigned during the World Cup. Ecuador finished third in Group E and is currently preparing to face Mexico in the Round of 32.
Ecuador achieved a dramatic victory over Germany in the final group match, clinching their first place in the World Cup finals. Valencia has started all three group games for Ecuador, but is yet to score in this tournament, while Caicedo has also been a consistent starter for his country in North America. In an emotional ceremony against Valencia, Caicedo was announced as Ecuador’s new captain and will wear the armband for the country’s remaining matches.
Ecuador picked up just one point from their opening two games and could have missed out on advancing to the World Cup’s group stage.
A 1-0 loss against Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curaçao left Sebastian Beccases’ side on the brink of being eliminated from the tournament.
However, Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in the final match of Group E, securing third place in the group. This will set up a match against Mexico in the Round of 32 in Mexico City on Tuesday night.
Caicedo first wore the captain’s armband for the Ecuadorian national team in the win over Germany, and also served as captain in the friendly win against New Zealand in November.
It remains possible that Caicedo and Ecuador will face England at the World Cup, and a win against Mexico could seal a place in the last 16 with either the Three Lions or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Caicedo is no stranger to captaincy, having donned the Chelsea armband twice in the Premier League last season, during the defeats to Manchester United and Manchester City in April.
The 24-year-old midfielder led Chelsea to victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, as well as victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round.
