Darren Bent really appreciates what one former Chelsea midfielder used to bring to the football pitch.
Chelsea have always had great midfielders, including at this moment in time. In fact, in Moises Caicedo, they may have the best in the Premier League.
Gary Neville thinks Caicedo is the best midfielder in England, making the point after the Blues’ 2-1 win against Liverpool last Saturday.
Bent has not forgotten Chelsea’s midfielders of the past, though, giving one of them his flowers.
- READ MORE: Darren Bent says Chelsea have a player who is just as important as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool
Darren Bent claims former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel would be worth £80m in current market
John Obi Mikel played alongside Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack and Claude Makelele.
As a result, his contribution often went under the radar, but Bent certainly recognised it and has claimed that the retired Nigeria international would be worth £80m today.
Speaking about Mikel on talkSPORT, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker said: “He was underrated him. If he was still playing now he’d be £80m. He was really good, but if you compare him against Claude Makelele, unbelievable.”
Like Bent, Mikel also makes a lot of media appearances these days and even has his own podcast.
On his latest episode, Mikel praised youngster Josh Acheampong after his performance against Liverpool, stating that the defender has plenty of potential.
He is not the only Chelsea star Mikel has been raving about following the Liverpool victory, though.
What John Obi Mikel has said about Moises Caicedo
Like Neville and many others, Mikel has been extremely impressed with Caicedo as well.
As Mikel discussed Caicedo on his podcast, he said: “There is no midfield player right now that can give you everything that Caicedo gives us right now. He’s absolutely magnificent.”
Presently, the 23-year-old looks like the complete midfielder. He is making an impact in both halves of the pitch.
For example, in seven top-flight appearances this season, Caicedo has scored three goals. Last term, the Ecuadorian only managed one.
According to the Premier League’s official website, he has also made 28 tackles and 18 interceptions.
Mikel was a good midfielder in his day and has a much better trophy cabinet for the time being. But the Nigerian would have to admit that Caicedo is on a different level to what he was on.
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