The role of the defensive midfielder has always been crucial in football. Legends like Makélélé, Kanté, Gattuso, Vieira, and Essien proved just how vital it is. Today, two rising stars are being touted as the future of that position: Ryan Gravenberch and Moisés Caicedo.
Since their emergence, fans and pundits have been locked in comparisons, an inevitable reaction when two young midfielders come with big reputations, hefty price tags, and world-class potential. But here's the truth: while they may share a position on the team sheet, they play very different roles and trying to rank them does a disservice to both.
Different Roads, Same Spotlight
- Gravenberch, a prodigy from Ajax, became their youngest-ever debutant at 16. With his tall frame, slick technique, and elegant movement, he helped Ajax dominate the Eredivisie before moving to Bayern in 2022. Limited minutes saw him join Liverpool in 2023, where he began to shine again.
- Caicedo, meanwhile, came from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle. His move to Brighton in 2021 went under the radar, but he quickly became one of the Premier League’s most dominant defensive midfielders. His performances earned him a record-breaking £115m move to Chelsea in 2023—the highest in British football at the time.
Trophies & Highlights
Gravenberch:
- 3× Eredivisie Champion
- Dutch Cup Winner
- U21 Dutch Player of the Year (2021)
- UCL experience with Ajax, Bayern, Liverpool
- Carabao Cup Champion (2023/2024)
- Premier League Champion (2024/2025)
Caicedo:
- Helped Brighton to best-ever 6th place finish (2022/23)
- Copa Sudamericana Winner (2020)
- Represented Ecuador at 2022 World Cup
- UEFA Conference League & Club World Cup Winner (2024/2025)
- Chelsea Men's & Players’ Player of the Season (2024/2025)
Contrasting Styles
Yes, both are defensive midfielders, but their styles couldn’t be more different.
- Gravenberch is a modern, progressive DM. He glides forward, links play, and breaks lines with skill and stride. His flair and mobility make him ideal for Liverpool’s possession-based system.
- Caicedo is the anchor. A deep-lying No. 6, he breaks up play, reads danger early, and protects the backline with relentless energy. He’s Chelsea’s stabilizer in a storm.
One’s a progressive artist. The other? A midfield firefighter.
Stop the Comparisons
Online debates often reduce this to “flair vs discipline” or “price tag vs performance.” But this isn’t a question of who’s better, it’s about different players serving different needs.
Gravenberch shines when he roams and connects. Caicedo thrives in the chaos, brings order, and launches transitions. Both are elite at what they do, but what they do isn’t the same.
Respect Both Crafts
Not every player needs to be ranked. Gravenberch and Caicedo are exceptional in their own lanes, and both could define midfield play for years to come.
Rather than tearing one down to lift the other up, let’s appreciate how diverse and beautiful the modern midfield role has become, because football is at its best when we celebrate the differences, not erase them.
