Mikel Obi: Chelsea Legend Snubs Rice, Pedri, Rodri, Names Best Midfielder in the World
- Mikel Obi has declared a Chelsea star as the best midfielder in world football ahead of Declan Rice, Rodri, and Pedri
- The Nigerian legend is excited about the performance of Moises Caicedo, who has been incredible for the Blues
- The 23-year-old Ecuadorian is beginning to draw comparisons to midfield legends N'Golo Kante and Claude Makelele
Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi has named one player who he believes is currently the best midfielder in world football.
The former Nigerian international snubbed Arsenal's Declan Rice, Manchester City's Rodri and Pedri of FC Barcelona.
According to him, no midfield player is as good as Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, who has been incredible for the London club this season.
Source: Getty Images
The Ecuadorian international moved to the Stamford Bridge outfit for $155 million from fellow English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2023.
Lately, fans have been comparing the 23-year-old to legendary midfielders N'Golo Kanté and Claude Makélélé after scoring an outrageous goal against Liverpool, per GOAL.
No longer just a midfield maestro, the impressive star has added a clinical edge to his game, netting stunning long-range goals, including his thunderous strike against Liverpool.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi said:
"There is no midfield player right now that can give you everything that Caicedo gives us right now. He is absolutely magnificent. Breaking up plays, setting up plays...you know he's first to everything, aggressive.
"He's a leader as well. He's a complete football player chipping in now with goals, taking shots from outside the box. He's absolutely worth every penny. Caicedo is worth every penny we paid for him."
On the comparison with N'Golo Kante, Mikel added:
"N'Golo Kante was a different animal. I love both of them. Kante was too good, too quick and can get himself out of any situation because he was so fast.
"He can run all day and night, but Caicedo can do that as well. I think both of them are somewhat equal."
Source: Getty Images
Moses Caicedo in 2025/26 season
The midfielder, whose market value is now €90 million, has played 7 games for Chelsea this season, scoring 3 goals. This is more goals than some strikers in the league have this 2025/26 season.
He has played 100% of all The Blues games and has 23% goal participation, with only one yellow card, per Transfermarkt.
His goal tally this season has surpassed that of the 2024/25 season, when he scored 2 goals in 50 appearances, providing 6 assists, across all competitions.
When Mikel predicted Chelsea vs Liverpool, 2 Others
Legit.ng earlier reported that Mikel Obi predicted that his former club, Chelsea, would beat Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, a feat they achieved last season.
He also noted that Manchester City will take all three points when they face Brentford on Sunday, October 5. But from his predictions this weekend, Mikel's final pick was what generated lots of reactions.
Source: Legit.ng
