Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing critique of the club’s summer transfer business, pinning the team’s recent defensive woes squarely on a costly failure to replace Enzo Fernandez.
Mikel: Chelsea’s Enzo Mistake Leaves Alonso Exposed
The Blues dropped more points on Saturday, conceding a late equaliser in a frustrating 2-2 home draw against newly-promoted Hull City.
This result follows a disappointing defeat to Arsenal, leaving new manager Xabi Alonso under increasing pressure.
While Alonso’s side scores freely, they leak goals at an alarming rate, shipping 12 goals in just six games across all competitions.
Mikel argues this defensive fragility stems directly from the club’s inability to sign a holding midfielder before the transfer window slammed shut.
Speaking on the Obi One podcast, the Nigerian icon expressed his exasperation.
“We knew Enzo Fernandez wanted to leave for so long,” Mikel stated.
“Yes, we got £125million in the bank, but we failed to bring in another player. That is why we are suffering right now.”
The club allowed Fernandez to join Manchester City on deadline day in a record-breaking deal, but a proposed move for Monaco’s Lamine Camara collapsed at the eleventh hour.
Mikel believes this oversight forces Alonso to field a midfield that leaves the defence dangerously exposed.
“You need at least two holding players to shield the back-four in that system,” he explained.
“The likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro won’t defend as much. We do not want to drag them back because their job is to create and score goals.”
Mikel insists the return of Moises Caicedo, who has played only 14 minutes this season due to a calf injury, is essential to fixing the imbalance.
He compares Caicedo’s energy and ball-winning ability to Declan Rice’s influence at Arsenal.
“We absolutely need him back,” Mikel added.
“With his stamina to cover ground and break up play, we will be a much more solid team.
We can’t keep relying on scoring four or five goals to win games.”
