“He must be Chelsea captain one day” – John Obi Mikel reveals why 22-years-old Chelsea man should be next Chelsea captain
After Chelsea defeated West Ham last 3-0 on Saturday, both supporters and detractors praised the team for its impressive Premier League run, which has included games played away from home. Nicolas Jackson may have twice chipped and touched the ball into the net. Actually, though, Chelsea’s youthful midfield player Moises Caicedo was the true winner of the match.
His performance even made Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel see Caicedo as a future club captain. In his latest “Obi One Podcast,” Mikel said of the Ecuadorian, “I like the way he moves on the pitch. He is exactly like N’Golo Kante.”.
Caicedo’s Midfield Masterclass
Jackson might have grabbed the headlines with his goal-scoring masterclass. But it was Caicedo laying solid midfield foundations that really sealed the deal for Chelsea. He did great at disrupting West Ham attacks’ controlled the game’s tempo. And he even managed to get forward and make places in advanced positions. This allowed Chelsea to dominate possession as well as territory.
Mikel, who has his own defensive contributions as a midfielder at Stamford Bridge during his time there, praised Caicedo’s all-around performance. He pointed out just how Caicedo’s contribution to the game stretched far beyond just the defensive duties. “Moises Caicedo is an absolutely fantastic player,” Mikel said. “He was everywhere on Saturday. Not just breaking up play, linking up play as well. The passing, everything. It was a N’Golo Kante kind of performance.”.
It was no small compliment. Kante is definitely one of the most best players to ever play in the DM position. He is renowned for his tireless work rate, ability to win the ball back, and his calm presence in midfield. Which is precisely what Caicedo’s show on Saturday looked like. This also showed why Chelsea spent so lavishly on him during the transfer window.
One of the striking features in Caicedo’s game is maturity and composure on the ball. Something often expected from older players rather than a 22-year-old still getting himself used to the Premier League. According to Mikel, these qualities make him the perfect material to wear the armband for Chelsea in the future.
“This is a guy that I think will eventually go on to captain Chelsea one day,” Mikel said. His praise is significant because he spent more than a decade in Chelsea. And he had seen what it takes to actually lead at the top.
Chelsea supporters have already gotten accustomed to the player as they enjoy his hardworking nature. He never shies away from putting in extra work, either through winning the ball back or creating passes to forwards. Leadership skills are slowly beginning to shine. And time might mold him into being a central figure for Chelsea, both on and off the field.
Chelsea Leadership Dilemma
Reece James is another Chelsea current captain. He is someone who is not too old and surely has some good years of play left in him. However, his injury so far may hamper his decision-making process to some extent. And one can’t help but think that the club might have to look elsewhere for the future if these issues continue down this vein.
Caicedo has so much growing influence on both football and leadership. And, therefore, has the potential to be the captain in the future. Already, his performances within Chelsea’s midfield have ensured he has become one of the favorites. And with more time with the Premier League, it may ensure that he is the biggest face of the team.
Leadership is going to become all the more important in the seasons ahead, though, as Chelsea is bursting with potential. Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, and many others have a great future for being the leaders of the future. But Caicedo’s effortless ball control and ability to understand the situation of what will be needed in particular gives him the upper hand.
The Next Kante In Making
The departure of Kante leaves a vast vacuum within the midfield. And for most Chelsea supporters, his exit will find it difficult to replace, at least in the immediate term. He has undoubtedly been part of Chelsea’s great success over the years with his unmatched energy and intelligence. The comparison by Mikel that Caicedo is to Kante will for sure excite the fanbase.
Of course, Caicedo is very early in his Chelsea career. But if Saturday’s performance goes to indicate something, then he’s more than good enough to fill Kante’s shoes. The ability to read the game, win back possession, and start attacks qualifies him as a complete midfielder. A midfielder that will anchor Chelsea’s midfield for years to come.
Conclusion
As per Mikel, Moises Caicedo has the X factor to be the next leader of the Blues at Stamford. And this is not an exaggeration. Caicedo already shows vast leadership qualities on the pitch. His work ethic, intelligence, and technical skills are already making huge impacts in the Premier League.
As Chelsea rebuilds under Enzo Maresca, Caicedo’s role only grows. If he stays on this path, it won’t be long before he is both a captaincy candidate and out there wearing the armband. With this said, Chelsea’s future in midfield, and leadership, looks secure with Caicedo.