Nigeria international and former Chelsea player Mikel Obi believes the current Chelsea squad lack the right leadership skills despite having fantastic players.
In spite of frustrating results in the domestic league, the Blues managed to finish third behind runners up Liverpool and Champions Manchester City, but Mikel believes his former side has fallen too far behind the top two.
“There may still be plenty of international stars in the Blues squad, but they lack the edge required to challenge for the grandest of prizes.
“When I watch them now, they’re fantastic players but I don’t see leaders.”
The 2012 Champions League winner believes the non-existence of such a player to lead the squad on and off the pitch contributed to the team’s struggles this season.
“During our time I could scream at Didier Drogba or Lampard. I was 24 or 25 years old but I could voice my opinion and it would be heard.
“Now when I watch them, there’s no one talking to each other, taking responsibility of being the leader. You need that edge and right now that’s what they’re lacking.” he said.
Mikel spent 12 years in Stamford Bridge, where he won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League amongst other trophies.
Meanwhile, Mikel has just completed his six months loan spell with English Championship side Middlesbrough and is expected to lead the Nigeria squad at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
