John Obi Mikel says ‘outstanding’ Chelsea player is the first name on the team sheet, not Cole Palmer

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Chelsea have been the beneficiaries of a number of quality individuals stepping up their game this season under the new manager.

Enzo Maresca has stayed loyal to those players who have performed at this level, making it difficult for a number of his first team players to secure any minutes in the Premier League this season.

One of those who has again stood out is Cole Palmer, carrying on where he left off from in his superb debut campaign at the club.

He has started every Premier League game so far this season. The same can be said for midfielder Moises Caicedo.

John Obi Mikel says Moises Caicedo is first name on Chelsea team sheet

The Ecuador international has made great improvements to his game this season in particular, and now looks one of the best players in his position in the league.

His performance against Manchester United finally saw him delivered the praise he has deserved for some time now. Caicedo was named in the Premier League Team of the Week after finding the net at Old Trafford.

Gabriel Agbonlahor described his display as ‘outstanding’, although Chelsea fans will not be surprised at the level he has been praised for performing at.

John Obi Mikel was another figure who was delighted with his performance, and actually believes he is now the first name on the teamsheet for the Blues.

He said on the Obi One Podcast: “For me, he’s [Caicedo] the first name on the team sheet.”

Caicedo has helped bench Enzo Fernandez

Caicedo’s importance to the side has limited opportunities for some of the players in his position to make an impact, and this has left Enzo Fernandez on the bench in recent weeks.

Maresca has seemed to prefer the partnership of the 23-year-old with Romeo Lavia in the middle of the park, and the £100m+ man has been forced to make his Premier League impact recently from the bench.

The World Cup winner is likely to captain the Blues tonight when they take part in Conference League action at Stamford Bridge against Noah.