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John Mikel Obi challenged Enzo Fernandes to step up for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season.
Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi raked Enzo Fernandez over the coals in his recent podcast episode, suggesting that the team functioned more efficiently without the Argentine World Cup winner.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in the winter transfer window of 2023 for a then British record of £106.3 million. The 23-year-old has only managed to show flashes of the brilliance that helped command the mammoth price tag he was acquired for, much to the frustration of ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel, who has now demanded improved performances from the former River Plate midfielder.
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What Mikel said
Previewing Chelsea's season on his Obi One podcast, Mikel gave his thoughts on Chelsea's Fernandez. The former Middlesbrough man stated that the team functioned better when Enzo was out of the team last season, as erstwhile manager Mauricio Pochettino managed to find balance with Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher.
Mikel declared the time ripe for Fernandez to show his quality, as the player has had enough time to settle in.
"When Conor Gallagher played with Moises Caicedo towards the end of last season, the team played better without Enzo Fernandez. Enzo needs a big season; we can't keep making excuses for him."
Meanwhile Nigerian have been effusive of John Obi Mikel after it emerged that he has been working tirelessly to convince his ex-club Chelsea to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
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