Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has raised concerns over the club’s defensive depth, insisting that Levi Colwill is the only “top centre-back” currently in the Blues’ squad.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League clash with Benfica, the ex-Super Eagles captain urged his former club to invest heavily in defence during the January transfer window.

“When I look at our defence, we are not good enough to win the Premier League,” Mikel said.
“It is impossible until we go out and strengthen in that position. Levi Colwill, I have said it, is our only top centre-back we have. I like Fofana, but he is always injured; he is never fit. If he is 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.”

Colwill, 21, was promoted to Chelsea’s senior team in 2021 and has since gained valuable experience through loan spells at Brighton and Huddersfield before returning to Stamford Bridge.

Opinion: Harsh Truths Chelsea Must Face

Mikel Obi’s comments may sting for Chelsea fans, but there is a ring of truth to them. The club has spent heavily in recent transfer windows, yet their defensive stability still looks fragile. Injuries to key players like Wesley Fofana have left the backline looking thin, while others have struggled for consistency.

In Colwill, Chelsea certainly have a gem—young, composed, and confident on the ball. But it’s risky for a club with title ambitions to hinge their entire defensive solidity on one player. Mikel’s call for another top-quality centre-back isn’t just criticism—it’s sound advice.

If Chelsea truly want to challenge for the Premier League and compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, they cannot afford to ignore their defensive gaps. Football titles may be won with goals, but championships are secured with clean sheets.

Perhaps the real question now is: will Chelsea’s board listen to one of their most decorated legends, or will history repeat itself with yet another season of “what could have been”?