We generally deployed two central midfielders in front of the back four, although Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos were sometimes used in a more advanced role in a 4-2-3-1.

Here we analyse the five midfielders who finished the season at Chelsea and played at least one competitive game for us…

Moises Caicedo

Total appearances: 50 (47 starts)
Minutes played: 4604
Goals: 5
Assists: 1

Moises Caicedo was once again a dependable presence in the heart of our midfield throughout the season, featuring in every Champions League game and all but five in the Premier League.

In our second game of the season at West Ham, Caicedo made his 100th Chelsea appearance and scored in a big 5-1 win. Two more spectacular strikes quickly followed, away to Brentford and at home to Liverpool.

The Ecuadorian assisted Joao Pedro’s winner at Tottenham in what was a typically dynamic performance, and he scored goals in home Champions League victories over Ajax and Pafos.

A red card at home to Arsenal briefly disrupted his season but he was soon back in the side and captained the Blues in cup ties at Cardiff and Charlton. In April, he committed his future to the club by signing a new contract until 2033.

Enzo Fernandez

Total appearances: 54 (49 starts)
Minutes played: 4835
Goals: 15
Assists: 7

Enzo Fernandez played more games for us than anyone else in 2025/26 and finished as our second top goalscorer in all competitions. Five of his 15 goals were penalties.

Among his most vital strikes were the last-minute equaliser that earned us a point at Manchester City, and the dramatic winner against West Ham at a raucous Stamford Bridge. It was a great way to mark his 150th Chelsea appearance, and contributed to him being nominated for the January Premier League Player of the Month award.

He often captained when Reece James didn’t start and finished the campaign by scoring two notable goals: the winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds, and then a swerving long-ranger that helped us beat Tottenham.

Andrey Santos

Total appearances: 43 (25 starts)
Minutes played: 2663
Goals: 3
Assists: 4

Andrey Santos established himself as an important member of the squad in his first full season at the Bridge.

He made his Premier League debut on the opening day against Crystal Palace and continued to feature regularly as the season progressed, initially off the bench.

The Brazilian opened his Blues account with a precise finish in the Carabao Cup win at Wolves in October. Soon after, Santos produced a Player of the Match performance in a victory away to Burnley.

Later in the season, Santos scored against Port Vale in the Cup and then, more crucially, struck the decisive goal in the victory over Tottenham – his first in the Premier League.

Romeo Lavia

Total appearances: 20 (10 starts)
Minutes played: 858
Goals: 0
Assists: 0

Injury restricted Romeo Lavia to 20 appearances, mostly in autumn and spring. He enjoyed a good run of games in March and April, notably playing an important role as we kept Leeds at arm’s length in the FA Cup semi-final.

Dario Essugo

Total appearances: 5 (zero starts)
Minutes played: 148
Goals: 0
Assists: 2

Unfortunately, Dario Essugo suffered a serious thigh injury in early September which required surgery and ruled him out for several months. He played his first game of the season off the bench at Wrexham, setting up two goals, and went on to play four more matches before the season’s end.