Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has shared his thoughts on the growing comparisons between Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and France’s 2018 World Cup winner N’Golo Kante, Footynaija.com reports.
Caicedo, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 for a club-record £115 million, was signed as a direct replacement for Kante.
After a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, the Ecuadorian has now found his rhythm, consistently delivering strong performances at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield.
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Kante, meanwhile, remains one of Chelsea’s most decorated modern-era players.
During his seven-year spell at the club, the diminutive Frenchman won every major trophy available, including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup before departing for Al Ittihad.
While Caicedo has yet to reach Kante’s level of success in terms of silverware, he has already lifted the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies with the Blues.
The 23-year-old’s growing influence with Enzo Maresca’s squad has drawn high praise from Mikel, who knows a thing or two about midfield excellence at Chelsea.
What Mikel Obi said
“There’s no midfield player right now who gives Chelsea everything Caicedo gives,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast.
“He is absolutely magnificent — breaking up play, setting up attacks, always first to the ball, aggressive, and a leader as well.
“He’s becoming a complete footballer, chipping in with goals and taking shots from range. He’s worth every penny.”
When asked to compare him with Kante, Mikel offered a balanced verdict.
“N’Golo was a different animal,” he said. “I love both of them.
“Kante was too quick, too good, could wriggle out of any situation, and could run all day and night — but Caicedo can do that too.
“They’re pretty much equal. If I had to choose, it’d be a tough pick.”
Caicedo has enjoyed a strong start to the 25/26 season so far. He has scored three goals already this term, equalling his combined tally from his first two seasons at Chelsea.
