'We are too exposed' - Former Blue Mikel names the only top centre-back in Chelsea squad

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has delivered a damning assessment of the club's defensive options, insisting the Blues lack the quality at the back to compete for major honours.

The retired Nigeria international singled out Levi Colwill as the only top-level centre-back currently at the club.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup champions signed promising teenager Jorrel Hato in the summer transfer window, but the versatile defender has only 121 senior appearances for clubs and country.

Mikel has questioned Chelsea's decision not to sign a world-class central defender and has urged his former club to strengthen that position in January.

"When I look at our defence, we are not good enough to win the Premier League. It's impossible until we go out and strengthen in that position,” Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast. 

"Levi Colwill, I have said it, is our only top centre-back we have. I like Fofana but he’s always injured, he’s never fit. 

"If he's fit, I think he will be good alongside Levi Colwill, but we need to bring in another top centre-back if we want to win the Premier League or call ourselves title contenders."

Mikel warned that Chelsea remain vulnerable against Europe's elite attacks, casting doubt on their ability to compete in the Premier League and Champions League.

"We can't win the Premier League or Champions League, we are way too exposed. You can't play with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Dembélé – they would crush us."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be without centre-backs Tosin Adarabioyo and Colwill for the big Champions League game with Benfica on Tuesday, while Wesley Fofana missed the defeat to Brighton & Hove after suffering a concussion during the win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.

After eight games in all competitions this term, Chelsea have conceded twelve goals and kept two clean sheets.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com