Mikel Obi lauds Chelsea’s midfield combo in Club World Cup triumph over PSG

Obi Donald

8 hours ago

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has praised Enzo Maresca’s decision to switch up his midfield pairing against Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Italian manager in his debut season won the UEFA Conference League trophy in May against Real Betis, and did one better by defeating the UEFA Champions League winners, PSG.

Luis Enrique’s side have been known for their relentless pressing, and Chelsea were underdogs going into the final at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Joao Pedro and Enzo Maresca celebrate with the trophy during the FIFA Club World Cup Final match between Chelsea FC vs Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Enzo Fernandez looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup Final match between Chelsea FC vs Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

imago1064146590 — Enzo Fernandez looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup Final match between Chelsea FC vs Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

However, the first half shocked many. Chelsea’s head coach opted to play Reece James in midfield, alongside Moises Caicedo, while Enzo Fernandez played slightly ahead of the duo.

This move meant Cole Palmer was driven wide to the right, and it proved vital as the Englishman scored the game’s first two goals before setting up the third for Joao Pedro.

With the Blues up 3-0 by half-time, all they had to do was see out the game, and they did so without conceding.

Enzo Maresca lifts the trophy with team members during the awarding ceremony for the final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

After the game, Mikel Obi was impressed by the manager’s tactical acumen and praised Chelsea’s midfield trio for a job well done.

“The manager probably tried a day before in training. Sometimes managers do try something in training, and if they believe that it worked it doesn’t matter, they are not going to change, they will go with it,” the former Nigerian captain said on punditry with DAZN.

“He [Reece] was really good. He was in that midfield alongside [Moises] Caicedo, they complemented each other really well, of course with [Enzo] Fernandez playing just ahead of them.

“They didn’t give the three of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz time on the ball, when you give those guys time on the ball they will destroy you, that’s what we did,” the 2013 AFCON winner concluded.

Enzo Fernande with his kids after the final match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Chelsea have now won two trophies in the past year, and will now be gunning for success domestically and in Europe as they’ll be playing the UEFA Champions League next season.