"Sometimes you need that kick up your backside to get you to wake up" – John Obi Mikel says Chelsea need 23-year-old star to lead by example

Ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has urged Enzo Fernandez to perform well and aid the Blues' push for the 2024-25 Premier League title.

Earlier this Sunday (December 8), Fernandez netted his third in his past four league matches to help his club defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3. He scored with a left-footed strike in the 73rd minute against Ange Postecoglou's outfit.

Fernandez, who left Benfica for £107 million in January 2023, produced an all-round display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He completed 49 of his 51 passes, created a chance, registered two shots, and won five of his 10 total duels.

Speaking recently on Stadium Astro, Mikel shared his thoughts on the Blues vice-captain and stated that the Argentine should do his locker room role justice. He said (h/t Chelsea News):

"Sometimes you need that kick up your backside to get you to wake up. His performances weren't good at the start of the season and everyone was complaining. I think the manager took him out the firing line to protect him a little bit."

Mikel, who helped the Blues win two Premier League titles, added:

"Now, he's brought him back into the team. You can see his stats there. Absolutely fantastic. He's been absolutely fantastic since coming back into the team, and he is the captain right now. We need him to lead by example on the pitch."

So far this season, Fernandez has scored three goals and provided seven assists in 19 overall outings for the Enzo Maresca-coached side.

Paul Merson lauds 22-year-old Chelsea ace

Speaking on Sky Sports, Arsenal legend Paul Merson lavished praise on Cole Palmer after the playmaker converted two penalties earlier this Sunday. He said (h/t football.london):

"In the last seven months, he's now the big boy. The name of the game for opposition is to stop Cole Palmer. Teams are trying to stop him and they can't do it. That shows you how good he is. He's too intelligent. He's always got space. Everybody needs an X-factor to win a Premier League title and Chelsea have it with him."

Chelsea are currently behind Liverpool in second place of the 2024-25 Premier League table with 31 points from 15 matches. They have bagged a league-high 35 goals and conceded 18 goals in the league so far this campaign.

Palmer, 22, has contributed 11 goals and six assists in just 15 Premier League appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit in the ongoing term.