John Obi Mikel believes a hardworking Chelsea player is on track to becoming the team’s captain in the near future. He noted that the player has quickly established himself as a key figure, and there seems to be no limit to his potential.
Mikel shared his thoughts on Moises Caicedo, saying the Ecuadorian midfielder is finally starting to meet the high expectations placed on him since joining Chelsea. The club made headlines by spending £100 million on Caicedo last summer, but his first season at Stamford Bridge was challenging. Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, finished sixth in the Premier League, and Caicedo struggled with inconsistent performances.
Despite those early difficulties, Caicedo’s form has dramatically improved under new head coach Enzo Maresca. His standout performance in Chelsea’s 3-0 win against West Ham has been hailed as his best yet. While Nicolas Jackson stole the spotlight with two goals and an assist, Caicedo’s performance—marked by tireless running, accurate passing, and excellent defensive work—was equally crucial.
Mikel praised Caicedo’s recent resurgence, noting that his energy and skill are reminiscent of his time at Brighton. On his podcast, Mikel said, “He’s everywhere on the field now. After a rough start, people questioned if he was worth the price, but now we’re seeing the real Caicedo again.”
The former Chelsea star compared Caicedo to N’Golo Kante, admiring the young midfielder’s work ethic and humility. Mikel added, “He’s playing like he owns his place in the team, with confidence and determination. There’s no ego, just hard work and commitment.”
Mikel also credited Maresca for helping restore Caicedo’s confidence, believing this partnership has been instrumental in the player’s recent success. He speculated that Caicedo has the qualities to eventually become Chelsea’s captain.
In addition to praising Caicedo, Mikel acknowledged the overall depth and quality of Chelsea’s squad, pointing out that the team remains strong even when substitutions are made. He highlighted the impressive work Maresca has done tactically, saying the team’s control of games, with or without the ball, is impressive.
Mikel ended on an optimistic note, expressing pride in Chelsea’s current form and excitement about the team’s future. He remarked, “It’s amazing to watch Chelsea play right now, with such cohesion and confidence. The future looks incredibly bright for the club.”
