Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has certainly not forgotten about Levi Colwill.
Colwill has not played a game all season because of an ACL injury that he picked up just before the campaign began.
The central defender was a crucial player for Enzo Maresca last term, making 43 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.
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Tosin Adarabioyo has been compared to Colwill, with the 28-year-old having been tasked with filling in for his teammate at times this season, but it is a comparison that many Chelsea fans would question.
John Obi Mikel giving an interview during Player and Legends interviews
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John Obi Mikel thinks Levi Colwill can become a ‘top defender’ if he has experienced partner next to him
Mikel is an admirer of Colwill and believes he can become a great centre-back. However, the Chelsea legend thinks his former club need to sign an experienced partner for him if that is to happen.
Speaking to GOAL, Mikel said: “I like Levi Colwill but I think he needs somebody around him and next to him to lead him as well. I think he can grow into a top, top defender but he needs somebody with experience.”
Whether sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley do the above remains to be seen.
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Behdad Eghbali (R) co-owner of Chelsea with co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley (L)) and Laurence Stewart (C)
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It is thought that Chelsea are prepared to sign a seasoned central defender in the summer, yet the only links that are emerging are ones to more young players.
It was recently claimed that Chelsea are considering making a move for Abubacarr Sedi, who is still only 19 years of age. That would not be a signing that benefits Colwill.
Levi Colwill playing for Chelsea against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup.
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Where else John Obi Mikel wants to see Chelsea strengthen
Central defence is not the only area of Chelsea’s squad that Mikel wants addressed. For example, the ex-Nigeria international would also like to see a new striker arrive at the club.
He said: “I think as well, in the striker department, we need an experienced striker that already knows how to score goals and win trophies.”
Chelsea made changes to their strike force last summer, bringing in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to replace Nicolas Jackson.
However, Delap has not been able to make much of an impact because of injuries, while the feeling among some is that Pedro is better as a No.10.
Emanuel Emegha is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer, though, so there may not be room for another centre-forward.
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