John Obi Mikel Advises Enzo Maresca to Make Key Changes at Chelsea Next Season

John Obi Mikel has urged Chelsea to sign two ‘world-class’ center-backs for Enzo Maresca this summer.

Chelsea are set to make Tosin Adarabioyo the first signing of Maresca’s tenure, with the 26-year-old defender joining from Fulham on a free transfer.

However, Obi-Mikel believes his former club will feel the impact of Thiago Silva’s departure next season and insists neither Benoit Badiashile nor Axel Disasi are ready to step up.

“Thiago Silva is leaving, and we need a couple of centre-halves,” Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast.

“I don’t think Benoit Badiashile is the guy for Chelsea, no. [Axel] Disasi, no. They’re still young players, and they will develop. We need to be proven, top center-backs who will come in and stabilize the back four. We need two world-class centre-halves.”

Mikel was also critical of Mykhailo Mudryk after the winger’s underwhelming first full season in the Premier League.

“He needs to cut his hair, get rid of the tattoos, and focus on playing for Chelsea,” Mikel said.

However, Mikel was more positive about Noni Madueke’s future under Maresca and believes Chelsea’s new manager needs to find a way to improve the performances of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

“Fantastic player,” Mikel said of Madueke. “I thought he was the spark at the end of the season. Yes, Cole Palmer was the guy, but Madueke finished the season well. He chipped in with a few goals, created chances, and everything went through him. He was the spark we needed, the guy trying to make things happen on the pitch.”

Mikel also expressed a desire to see Raheem Sterling have a much better season next year.

“If we’re successful next season, Maresca needs to find a way to get Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo to bring out their best. They are world-class players, with fantastic talents. We have [Romeo] Lavia as well. If he can find a way to get these young, energetic players to perform, Chelsea will be a different team next season.”