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John Obi Mikel states Chelsea have a ‘fantastic’ defender who could become world class one day

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According to former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, the Blues do have a central defender within their ranks who could yet develop into a world class player.

It is interesting to see the development of the Blues defence under Enzo Maresca’s management. Without a doubt, it is still an area where they can and must improve despite possessing some talented individuals.

Marc Cucurella, who’s so consistent himself at left-back, claimed recently that Chelsea can stop conceding easy goals.

John Obi Mikel before the 2025 Champions League final.
Photo by Pau Barrena – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

John Obi Mikel still backs Levi Colwill for massive future

Unfortunately, Levi Colwill hasn’t been involved with Chelsea this campaign after picking up a long-term problem on the first day of pre-season in the summer. Colwill’s ACL injury means it will still be a while before supporters see him back playing, too.

John Obi Mikel is backing the 22-year-old central defender to become something world class when he’s back fit and firing again.

Mikel told talkSPORT (8 October)”Levi Colwill. I think he’s fantastic. I think he has the potential to become a world class defender. He’s not there yet, but I think he has the potential. We need somebody who’s going to come in a top centre back who’s going to partner him.”

It was a really positive 2024-25 season at Chelsea for Colwill, establishing himself as the best centre-half at Stamford Bridge. The timing of his injury was horrific, especially because England have a World Cup around the corner in the 2026 summer.

Wesley Fofana shares Colwill remains positive around Chelsea’s training ground every single day, even though he’s dealing with the lay-off.

For what it’s worth, we certainly agree with Mikel that Colwill is destined to become an elite defender, but it will require patience when he does come back.

Levi Colwill playing for Chelsea against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

The Cole Palmer prediction on Levi Colwill

Back in October 2023, Blues star Cole Palmer tipped Colwill to reach the very top. He said: “I think he can go to the very top. He’s got every single attribute that you want in a centre-back and he’s humble.”

It has been quite obvious for a while that Colwill ticks every box as a modern defender because he’s so comfortable with the ball at his feet and building up play. On top of that, he’s very athletic and improved defensively last term.

It is frustrating that the Chelsea academy graduate has hit a bump in the road with the injury, but hopefully he can return even more motivated to become an elite player.