If he continues with kind performance he’s definitely become the new captain very soon. He has made himself the center figure of the team in just little time and the sky is the limit for him. Let’s see where this all leads too” – This is according to Chelsea Legend John Obi Mikel as he believes that a hardworking Chelsea player will “likely” become Chelsea’s captain soon enough.

John Obi Mikel believes that Moises Caicedo is starting to meet the high expectations at Chelsea, even suggesting that the young Ecuadorian might become a future captain. Chelsea made headlines last summer by spending a staggering £100 million to sign Caicedo. However, the 22-year-old’s first season in West London was tough, with the team finishing a disappointing sixth under Mauricio Pochettino.

Caicedo’s inaugural season was plagued by inconsistency and errors, leading some to doubt the value of the investment. Since Enzo Maresca took over as head coach, however, Caicedo’s form and confidence have noticeably improved. In Chelsea’s recent 3-0 win over West Ham, he delivered what many viewed as his best performance for the club.

In that match at the London Stadium, while Nicolas Jackson shone with two goals and an assist to Cole Palmer, Caicedo’s efforts were equally crucial. Had Jackson not been so impressive, Caicedo could have easily been named man of the match. His performance featured relentless running, accurate passing, and effective disruption of the opposition’s play, reminiscent of his standout days at Brighton.

Looking ahead to Chelsea’s next match against Brighton, Maresca might consider giving Caicedo a much-deserved rest during the Carabao Cup clash against Barrow, especially after his vigorous display against West Ham. Reflecting on Caicedo’s development, Mikel commented on The Obi One Podcast, noting, “He was everywhere on the pitch. His start at Chelsea was rocky; mistakes led to doubts about the wisdom of the investment. But now, we’re beginning to see the player we recognized from Brighton, dominating games with his energy and skill.”

Mikel stressed that Caicedo is starting to showcase the talent that made him highly sought after, stating, “This is the Moises Caicedo we all knew. You can see his growing confidence—he’s taking ownership of his role at Chelsea, playing like he belongs here.”

The former Chelsea midfielder also compared Caicedo to N’Golo Kante, praising him for his humility and tireless work ethic. “Moises has no ego,” Mikel remarked. “He was outstanding on Saturday—covering every inch of the pitch, breaking up play, and linking passes. He’s become essential to the team, and his performances reflect that.”

Mikel attributed Caicedo’s turnaround not only to the player but also to Maresca’s influence in boosting the young midfielder’s confidence. “It’s evident that both Caicedo and the manager have put in the work to rebuild that confidence, and it’s showing,” Mikel said, even suggesting that Caicedo could one day captain the club, adding, “I believe he has the potential to be a future captain.”

Alongside his praise for Caicedo, Mikel highlighted the overall quality and depth of the current Chelsea squad, noting that the team maintains its momentum even after substitutions, showcasing the depth Maresca has developed. “The current team is full of quality, not just in the starting lineup but also among the substitutes. The quality doesn’t diminish when players come off the bench—it often improves. That’s exactly what we needed, and it’s finally happening,” Mikel observed.

He also praised Maresca’s tactical acumen and the team’s performance under his leadership. “Maresca is doing an incredible job. The way we control games, both with and without the ball, is a joy to watch. Everything is coming together, evident on the pitch.”

Mikel concluded with optimism for the club, stating, “It’s amazing to watch Chelsea right now. As a fan, it’s refreshing to see us play with such unity and confidence. The future looks very bright for this team.”