“You just have to find a way to include him into the starting squad. We can’t lose his talent now when people that are starting instead of him are inconsistent. Either you remove someone for him or you change your formation to accommodate him” – This is according to John Obi Mikel as he urges Enzo Maresca to “find a solution” that ensures the £45m Chelsea star gets more game time.

Chelsea are currently navigating their most challenging period of the season, and John Obi Mikel believes one player could provide a significant lift if given more opportunities on the pitch.

Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues had an impressive start, securing 18 wins in 30 matches across all competitions during the first half of the season. However, recent performances have dipped, with the team managing only two draws and two defeats in their last four Premier League games. As a result, Chelsea has dropped to fourth place in the league standings.

Micah Richards recently pointed out defensive issues, describing Chelsea’s backline as “sloppy.” He stressed that these problems must be resolved swiftly to regain form.

Mikel Advocates for More Joao Felix Minutes

John Obi Mikel has questioned the limited playing time of Joao Felix, a 25-year-old forward who has been largely overlooked by Maresca. Felix has been an unused substitute in three of Chelsea’s last four league matches, indicating his low standing in the pecking order.

On his podcast, Mikel remarked:
“I keep wondering why Joao Felix isn’t playing. He seems to have been sidelined entirely. I understand Cole Palmer plays in a similar position, and the coach may hesitate to substitute him. But we need to find a way to get Felix involved. He’s a fantastic player who can really help the team.”

Felix, signed for £45 million (BBC) from Atletico Madrid in the summer, has endured a frustrating season. Despite scoring five goals in 17 appearances across all competitions, he has started just three of Chelsea’s 10 Premier League matches. Often played out of position on the wing instead of his preferred No. 10 role, Felix appears dissatisfied with his current situation.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Chelsea is aware of Felix’s frustration over his limited role, but his future at the club remains undecided until the summer. Fans hope he will get more chances to prove his worth in the second half of the campaign.

Jamie Carragher’s preseason comments about Felix seem particularly relevant now. He had questioned where Felix would fit into Chelsea’s lineup, given the competition in the playmaker role. Cole Palmer’s exceptional form has made it difficult for anyone, including Felix, to displace him in the No. 10 spot.

Maresca’s reluctance to utilize Felix from the bench has drawn criticism. As Chelsea navigates this challenging phase, bolder substitutions and better squad rotation could be the key to revitalizing the team and giving talented players like Felix a chance to shine.