Former Arsenal star Ian Wright has strongly criticized Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca for playing midfielder Moises Caicedo out of position as a right-back during the Blues' 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Speaking on The Kelly & Wrighty podcast, Wright expressed his bewilderment at Maresca's tactical decision, especially considering Chelsea have natural right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto available in the squad.

"It is crazy when you look at who Enzo Maresca has got on the bench and he's still doing that [playing Caicedo at right-back]," Wright said. "Teams are going to attack him all the time. Whatever he's saying about getting into midfield and controlling it, you've got to get control of the game. It all comes down to the manager."

The pundit described Maresca's decision as "unacceptable" and raised concerns about the Italian coach's judgment, particularly given that the Ecuadorian midfielder has struggled in the defensive role.

"Unless something has happened with Reece James and Malo Gusto, I don't know what's happened. That, for me, is unacceptable... He's making decisions that are very worrying, especially in that particular incident," Wright added.

Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for a British record transfer fee, is naturally a central midfielder but has been deployed at right-back on multiple occasions, including under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The defeat to Newcastle has raised further questions about Maresca's tactical approach as Chelsea continue to struggle for consistency in the Premier League this season.