John Obi Mikel has expressed his belief that Moises Caicedo is finally starting to live up to the high expectations placed on him at Chelsea, suggesting that the young Ecuadorian could even be a future captain of the club. Chelsea made headlines last summer by splashing out an eye-watering £100 million to bring Caicedo to Stamford Bridge. However, the 22-year-old midfielder found his first season in West London challenging, as the Blues finished a disappointing sixth in the Premier League under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino.
Caicedo’s debut season was marred by inconsistency and mistakes, leading some to question the hefty price tag that Chelsea had paid. But since the arrival of Enzo Maresca as head coach, there has been a noticeable change in Caicedo’s form and confidence. The midfielder appears rejuvenated and, in Chelsea’s recent 3-0 victory over West Ham, delivered what many consider to be his finest performance in a Chelsea shirt.
That match at the London Stadium saw Nicolas Jackson steal the spotlight with two goals and an assist to Cole Palmer, but Caicedo’s contribution was equally significant. Had it not been for Jackson’s standout display, Caicedo might well have been named man of the match. His performance was characterized by tireless running, precise passing, and an ability to break up opposition play—a display reminiscent of his best days at Brighton.
Looking ahead to Chelsea’s next fixture, a clash against Brighton, Maresca may consider giving Caicedo a well-earned rest during the Carabao Cup match against Barrow, especially after his all-action display against West Ham. Mikel, reflecting on Caicedo’s progress, remarked on The Obi One Podcast, “He was everywhere on the pitch. His start at Chelsea was rough; there were mistakes, and people began to question the wisdom of spending so much on him. But now, we’re starting to see the player we knew from Brighton, the one who dominated games with his energy and skill.”
Mikel emphasized that Caicedo is beginning to show the form that made him such a sought-after player, saying, “This is the Moises Caicedo we all knew. You can see the confidence in him now—he’s taken ownership of his place at Chelsea. He’s playing as if to say, ‘This is my team, and I belong here.’”
The former Chelsea midfielder also drew comparisons between Caicedo and N’Golo Kante, praising the Ecuadorian for his humility and relentless work ethic. “There’s no ego with Moises,” Mikel noted. “He was phenomenal on Saturday—covering every blade of grass, breaking up play, linking passes. He’s become integral to the team, and his performances are starting to reflect that.”
Mikel didn’t just credit Caicedo for this turnaround; he also highlighted the role Maresca has played in restoring the young midfielder’s confidence. “It’s clear that both Caicedo and the manager have worked hard to rebuild that confidence, and it’s paying off,” Mikel said. He even went so far as to speculate that Caicedo could one day wear the captain’s armband at Chelsea, saying, “I think he has the qualities to possibly be a future captain of this club.”
In addition to his praise for Caicedo, Mikel commended the overall quality and depth of the current Chelsea squad. He pointed out that the team doesn’t lose its momentum when substitutions are made, a testament to the strength in depth that Maresca has cultivated. “The team we have now is full of quality, not just in the starting XI but also among those coming off the bench. When substitutions are made, the quality doesn’t drop—it often improves. That’s exactly what we’ve needed, and we’re finally seeing it,” Mikel observed.
He also lauded Maresca’s tactical approach and the way the team has been playing under his leadership. “Maresca is doing an incredible job. The way we’re controlling games, with and without the ball, is a joy to watch. Everything is coming together, and it’s evident on the pitch.”
Mikel concluded his thoughts with a sense of optimism and pride for the club, saying, “It’s amazing to watch Chelsea right now. As a fan, it’s so refreshing to sit down and see us play with such cohesion and confidence. The future looks very brigh
t for this team.”