John Obi Mikel believes one of the major blunders of Chelsea’s summer transfer window was failing to sign a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City for a whopping £125 million. The ramifications of that choice are being particularly felt with Moises Caicedo now sidelined due to injury.
Chelsea have scored 18 goals in six matches across all competitions but have also conceded 12. Caicedo has managed just 14 minutes of action due to a calf injury.
Obi Mikel has expressed his thoughts:
We’re missing Moises Caicedo. When he returns, I believe we’ll be a much more reliable team. He breaks up opponents' attacks and provides protection for our defence.
He brings energy, wins the ball back, starts the attacks, pushes the ball forward – much like what Declan Rice does for Arsenal. That’s what Moises Caicedo offers us, and his absence is a massive loss.
Additionally, Obi Mikel pointed out that the issue could have been partially resolved during the transfer window. Chelsea considered signing Lamina Kamara from Monaco, but ultimately the deal fell through:
That’s a position the club failed to strengthen during the transfer window. It’s been a letdown. We’ve known for some time that Enzo Fernandez wanted to leave. Yes, we now have £125 million in the bank, but we didn’t bring in another player – and that’s why we’re suffering now.
We talk about conceding goals and can point fingers at the defenders, but with this system, you need at least two players capable of covering the defence. Otherwise, the team becomes too vulnerable.
According to Obi Mikel, Caicedo’s return could dramatically change the situation:
His return is absolutely essential. Yes, we lost Enzo Fernandez, but if Mo is back in the squad, I think the team will improve significantly. We’re conceding too many.
This is incredible. You can’t keep scoring four or five goals to win. We should be able to score two and finish the match.
