Super Eagles legend, John Obi Mikel has waded into Chelsea’s ongoing managerial search, dismissing Cesc Fabregas as a candidate and throwing his weight behind former teammate Filipe Luís as the ideal man to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel acknowledged the impressive work Fabregas has done at Como in Serie A but was firm in his assessment that the Chelsea hotseat would be a step too far for the Spaniard at this point in his coaching career. “It’s a bit too early for Fabregas,” he said. “Give him a couple more seasons to establish himself and gain more experience maybe come to the Premier League and coach a lesser team than Chelsea first.”

Mikel was equally measured in his assessment of Andoni Iraola, the departing Bournemouth boss who has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the role, describing him as someone who prefers to stay out of boardroom politics and focus purely on the football. But it was his endorsement of Filipe Luís that drew the most attention. The Brazilian, who shared a dressing room with Mikel during his time at Chelsea, impressed during the Club World Cup with Flamengo, building a side with clear structure and purpose. “He is a fantastic manager,” Mikel said. “There was a clear objective of how they wanted to play that’s how you know someone can become a top manager.”

Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior earlier this month after a dire run of five straight Premier League defeats without scoring, with under-21 coach Calum McFarlane currently serving as interim boss.

The Blues face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16 and are expected to confirm a permanent appointment before pre-season begins this summer.