John Obi Mikel is undoubtedly one individual who is qualified to talk about Chelsea’s midfield after spending 11 years in the Blues’ engine room.
Today, it is the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia who play there, and Mikel has had something very interesting to say involving the trio.
Caicedo was excellent for Chelsea last season and is now impressing for Ecuador on the international stage.
Brazil fans were left in awe of Caicedo following their nation’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador on Friday.
John Obi Mikel would pick himself over Moises Caicedo
While Caicedo has been in great form, winning two Player of the Season awards at Chelsea, Mikel is still choosing himself over the 23-year-old.
In fact, Mikel is quite confident that he would get in over any of Chelsea’s current midfielders in his prime.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the Nigerian said: “Peak Mikel in 2012 or 2013 would still get into this Chelsea midfield, despite the obvious quality they have. I’d pick myself over those guys. But all the midfielders’ performances have been fantastic.”
It is a claim that will get the Chelsea fanbase talking. For as good as a servant that Mikel was to the club, you would have to question if he was ever as influential as Caicedo and Fernandez are now.
Caicedo shuts down so many attacks to prevent Chelsea from getting hurt, while Fernandez is starting to score goals. It was the Argentine, of course, who grabbed the equaliser for Enzo Maresca‘s side in the Conference League final before they went on to win the game 4-1.
John Obi Mikel on where Moises Caicedo needs to improve
Overall, Mikel has been impressed with Caicedo and Chelsea’s other midfielders, but the former Nigeria international is keen for the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion star to start showing more leadership.
In the same interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He looks like he could be captain of the football club one day, that’s how highly I rate him right now. I just want to see him be even more vocal, leading with his voice not just his feet.”
One Chelsea player who has been growing as a leader is captain Reece James. Before Chelsea’s triumph in the Conference League final, James was seen really encouraging Malo Gusto, a young player who was about to start a huge game ahead of his skipper.
