I’d pick myself — Mikel Obi claims he is better than Caicedo and Fernandez

John Mikel Obi is never shy about sharing his thoughts on his former club, Chelsea, where he anchored the midfield for over a decade.

His experience makes him well-placed to evaluate the Blues’ current midfield, featuring players like Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia.

Caicedo, in particular, was fantastic last season, earning Chelsea’s Player of the Season award. Despite the Ecuadorian's excellent form, Mikel remains confident that, at his peak, he would surpass the 23-year-old and any of Chelsea’s current midfielders.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Mikel stated, “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.”

Mikel's career gives him every reason to be confident, given his importance in the Blues' engine room for years, winning Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2012, and the Europa League in 2013.

He also tasted success with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, winning the Africa Cup of Nations. As one of Africa’s finest players of his generation.