In a candid assessment that blends club loyalty with hard truths, former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has pinpointed defensive frailties as the primary obstacle preventing his former club from mounting a serious Premier League title challenge. The Nigerian legend's analysis reveals how even world-class attacking talent cannot compensate for foundational weaknesses in English football's demanding landscape.
Key Points:
- Mikel Obi identified central defense and goalkeeping as Chelsea's critical weaknesses
- He expressed doubts about Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, and Tosin Adarabioyo's quality
- The former midfielder emphasized needing "another top center-back alongside Levi Colwill"
- Chelsea have accumulated eight points from their first five league matches this season
- Mikel praised Chelsea's attacking potential but stressed title-winning teams require solid spines
- He cited Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal's defensive partnerships as benchmarks
- Despite recent Club World Cup success, Mikel believes the Premier League "marathon" demands deeper strength
Sources: Soccernet
