I agree to some extent. When we signed Mikel, he showed ability and desire to attack, but Mourinho molded him into a more disciplined, defensive player in his first season. He has matured greatly as a footballer and remains an important member of the squad, but I do believe his creative instincts in an attacking sense have been somewhat neutralised by his defensive position. Despite this, because of his strength, skill and simplicity on the ball, I think he is more suited to the holding role and his athleticism allows him to keep on running for 90 minutes.