Hasselbaink: Caicedo signing shows how far Chelsea have come

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the arrival of Moises Caicedo is further proof of Chelsea's continued growth — despite the midfielder's difficult debut against West Ham.

The Blues announced the signing of the 21-year-old in a British record £115million deal soon after their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on the Premier League's opening weekend.

Jurgen Klopp's side had a bid accepted by Brighton but the Ecuador international made it clear he only wanted to move to Stamford Bridge.

And despite Caicedo conceding a penalty on his first outing for his new employers in the 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium, Hasselbaink is excited by the South American's huge potential.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the ex-Chelsea striker said: "Caicedo's move shows you how far Chelsea have come over the last 20 years.

"If you look at the two institutions, Liverpool are the bigger club with their history.

"You would think foreign players would choose Liverpool over Chelsea, so that shows what the Blues have become.

"I think it's a combination of two things really — London as a place to live and the last 20 years of the club's history."

Hasselbaink has been impressed by Caicedo in his short Premier League career with Brighton and is confident that the highly-rated talent will improve Mauricio Pochettino's side.

The Dutchman, 51, explained: "Caicedo is an exciting player and forget about all the financial numbers. Will he make Chelsea better? I really think he will.

"Caicedo has that steel. Technically, he's very good and he can pass the ball well.

"I've been told he's better than N'Golo Kante and I love Kante. He was magnificent for Chelsea. But they're saying this boy Caicedo is something else."

Jack attack

Another summer arrival at Stamford Bridge who has caught Hasselbaink's eye is 22-year-old striker Nicolas Jackson, who was snapped up from Villarreal.

The centre forward role has been something of a poisoned chalice at the Blues in recent times but the Senegal international may be able to lift the curse — despite failing to score in his first two Premier League outings.

Hasselbaink added: "I think Jackson has got all the credentials to succeed.

"He was really good in pre-season, taking his chances. He's got a bit of everything.

"Jackson is strong, quick and looks like he is not scared of the challenge — and that last one is a very good asset to have!"

Missing Chris

Hasselbaink is aware that the loss of Christopher Nkunku is a significant blow for Pochettino in his debut season in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

France international Nkunku sustained a serious knee injury in a pre-season draw with Borussia Dortmund and is set to miss around three months of action.

Hasselbaink explained: "Nkunku's injury will impact Chelsea quite a bit and that's just how it is.

"He's a very good player and different from the team's other forwards.

"Nkunku is very creative and can actually take pressure off his team-mates by producing a goal from nowhere."

To celebrate LiveScore’s 25th anniversary, we are donating £25 to charity for every goal scored in 25 pro leagues worldwide on September 2-3, raising £25,000 for charity. 

Send videos of your goals throughout September to @LiveScore's social channels with #LiveScore25 and we will donate £25 for each one you share.