Player of Week 19: Felipe Caicedo

Espanyol, on the balance, deserved to beat Celta Vigo on Saturday. Sergio Gonzalez’s side had more shots on goal and more possession but, going into the final moments, the game remained goalless. Celta had barely threatened in the 90 minutes yet looked like leaving Cornella El-Prat with a barely-deserved point.

That was before Caicedo engaged in a bit of role-reversal with Christian Stuani. Stuani started the match, having so often been Sergio’s super-sub. The Romania international was though replaced by his Ecuadorian colleague for the final seven minutes and it proved to be a pivotal decision. Most of those seven minutes had been played before Caicedo steered past Sergio Alvarez, delivered victory to Los Periquitos and picked up 20 EuroFantasyLeague points as well.

It was Caicedo’s fourth goal in as many games, having netted a brace in the Copa del Rey against Valencia and the consolation in a 2-1 reverse against Eibar. His goal ensured Espanyol avoided a third straight League defeat and solidified the team’s mid-table place. By virtue of the victory Espanyol crept above Celta and remained in a loftier position than both Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, both clubs most would expect to see a few points clear of La Blanquiazules, not the other way round.

Caicedo, known to Spanish audiences from spells at Malaga and Levante and English ones from his stay at Manchester City, has struggled to find a home. The longest he has ever spent at one club was three years at Lokomotiv Moscow, between 2011 and 2014, but it was an era that generated precious few goals. His stay at Al-Jazira, immediately prior to moving to Espanyol, lasted only six months.

Having been on the scene since 2006, when his performance of youthful power caught the eye at Basel and caught City’s eye, it’s easy to forget that Caicedo is only 26. Espanyol could, in theory, have Caicedo for his best years, although he only signed a two-year deal and if a reasonable offer comes in, they’re likely to accept. Levante cashed in too, signing Caicedo on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell, and then immediately selling him for as many roubles as they could get.

The seven goals in 18 games Caicedo has thus far recorded for Espanyol might not be enough to draw attention in the way of his 13 in 27 while at Ciutat de Valencia, but it’s a reasonable ratio for a club expected to struggle, as Espanyol were under rookie Coach Sergio. At the half-way stage of the season they are better than half-way up the table and Caicedo is a major reason for that, his Saturday goal just the latest in a line of important efforts.

Caicedo has previously netted in the 2-2 draw with Malaga and 2-1 wins over Levante and Granada, vital goals at vital times. But having scored with 22 seconds left, Caicedo’s timing has never been better than it was this weekend.

Does Caicedo make it into your Fantasy Football team this month? Choose now from Europe’s top players at Eurofantasyleague.com

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