Mikel John Obi

[English Freak 456]

Mikel was terrible against Southampton.

He's a decent defensive player, pathetic offensive player...overall he's average.

I think people are overrating Mikel due to his good performance against United.

If we had another quality defensive midfielder in the team, Mikel would be on the bench...he's just lucky Chelsea haven't brought in a defensive midfielder since Essien's peak..which was a few years ago.

[didierforever 7,349]

No...no you wouldn't because they have not even been mentioned. Only Mikel has been mentioned in this thread, because this is Mikel's thread if you want to whinge about the whole teams performance go read the matchday thread or something. It's not surprise that people only talk about Mikel in his own thread.

oh thats a suprise. so lets go to every thread and blame each of them, but suprisingly that does not happen. after every loss this is the only thread that seems to alive and running. plus read my comment mate before blabbing. what exactly do u understand when u read this "and yet if u read the last 2 pages of this thread u would feel mikel was the soul reason for this shambolic performance and defeat."

it is the totally ridiculous level of comments that people are saying is what is disturbing.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

The reason we've kept switching is because no-one (not Rami, not Lamps, not Mikel) has put their name on a shirt and given consistent performances. As much as I criticise Rami, he's been the best of the bunch and his work ethic and commitment is faultless, but he falls down technically too often.

Mikel has the physical and technical gifts you dream about a midfielder having, but I don't trust him. I don't think he makes the players around him better, but he has nice stats. He isn't a leader and I think you need that in that position. Lamps just isn't a double pivot midfielder.

There's not a player in the squad who should be immune from criticism, but too many people stick by their favourites. Maybe it's just a blind spot they have, maybe it's a fear of admitting you were wrong (I've admitted I may have been wrong about issues on here and a couple of members have tried to mock me for that - ignore them because only a small-minded boy thinks fallibility is something to be ashamed of). I don't think it's wrong for people to support the players but sometimes you have to question a players' quality.

And there have been plenty of average players who have made 300 appearances for top teams. There's no shame in that, but there's no reason not to acknowledge these players' limitations and move on from them.

By what meaning should Mikel be leader or something? We have Hazard, Mata to lead the team. With proper DLP we will have leader in midfield. With good striker we will have leader in attack. Mikel protects defence. Thats all. With Hazard, Oscar, Mata, new DLP and striker we have enough to do things in attack, but when comes to defending Mata, Oscar and probably that striker wont do much in defence. Mikel will stay back and do his job.

You cant have 5 playmakers or leaders in team anyway...

And Im surprised that you cant trust Mikel who spent here all those years and played lot of games for us, was favourite for Ancelotti or Mourinho, yet you keep mentioning Chalobah or Lukaku like they are Messi already. They NEVER played here constantly, they are 18 and 19 old and you expect imediate impact next season? They are great prospects who will shine through ages 22-30, not next year. And to say that Chalobah is better than Mikel already or that Lukaku will be equaly effective to us like some top striker would be is funny.

As for Soton game goes, put some blame to attack too. They havent even score a goal against them (Terry is defender) and that is Mikel's fault too right?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

People flock to this thread the one game in 20 that Mikel plays badly in. It's quiet the rest of the time.

[The only place to be 11,313]

By what meaning should Mikel be leader or something? We have Hazard, Mata to lead the team. With proper DLP we will have leader in midfield. With good striker we will have leader in attack. Mikel protects defence. Thats all. With Hazard, Oscar, Mata, new DLP and striker we have enough to do things in attack, but when comes to defending Mata, Oscar and probably that striker wont do much in defence. Mikel will stay back and do his job.

You cant have 5 playmakers or leaders in team anyway...

That role requires a sense of responsibility and leadership in my opinion. Look at the likes of Deschamps, Makelele, Wise and even Petit. Those were men who gave everything for the cause - you can't even answer the question about what Mikel did in the wall honestly. Why is that?

And Im surprised that you cant trust Mikel who spent here all those years and played lot of games for us, was favourite for Ancelotti or Mourinho, yet you keep mentioning Chalobah or Lukaku like they are Messi already. They NEVER played here constantly, they are 18 and 19 old and you expect imediate impact next season? They are great prospects who will shine through ages 22-30, not next year. And to say that Chalobah is better than Mikel already or that Lukaku will be equaly effective to us like some top striker would be is funny.

Number of appearances means fuck all. Plenty of average players have accumulated large numbers of appearances at top clubs and not been missed when they were sold.

I have faith in youngsters like Lukaku and Chalobah because I see something in their character that I admire. Beyond the physical and technical elements of their game they have the right attitude to the game and that is what wins you games. You just throw out names of players you think we should sign like this is a videogame - it isn't. This club is a family and you need men to carry you to success.

As for Soton game goes, put some blame to attack too. They havent even score a goal against them (Terry is defender) and that is Mikel's fault too right?

Everything in a team is linked. The midfield is the key to everything in my opinion - they need to shield the defence whilst controlling the tempo of the game and they did neither.

[GodZola 630]

but if he proves he is good (specialy after he reaches age 27/29), at this club or somewhere else you can all go to f*** yourselves for not believing in him.

I've had these sort of comments thrown at me ever since i joined this forum regarding Mikel because i have never rated the guy, at that point there were hardly any knockers - i was very much in the minority. There were some arrogant remarks like 'you don't know nothing about football if you criticize Mikel'!! I pointed out his flaws long ago (other members are are now posting similar comments) with different members some of which are changing their tune about him now (fair play too) I've been waiting for Mikel to prove me wrong but he always flatters to deceive - if we forget his flaws or the excuses for one second and he actually has consistency in his game then detractors like me will get off his back. I rarely post, so other members have taken up the baton but i did say at the start of this season that if Mikel plays regularly then we will have no chance of winning the title.................

I do agree though he is not the only one that is inconsistent, the whole team are riddled with it but lets not fool our self's into thinking that Mikel is the only one to get stick, Torres gets most of it, Ivanovich is now getting his fair share, Bertrand is on the hit-list too - if players are performing then on the whole they won't get sledged.

If he gets to 29 and is performing consistently for this club then i will eat a large slice of humble pie, if not will you do the same?

[Reddish-Blue 2,495]

People flock to this thread the one game in 20 that Mikel plays badly in. It's quiet the rest of the time.

One bad game out of 20? If that was the case, no one would be complaining..

I think Mikel has had close to 7 or 8 bad games out of 20...

[Miracle 249]

He might pass it back to Cech in an attempt to start an attack.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

That role requires a sense of responsibility and leadership in my opinion. Look at the likes of Deschamps, Makelele, Wise and even Petit. Those were men who gave everything for the cause - you can't even answer the question about what Mikel did in the wall honestly. Why is that?

Number of appearances means fuck all. Plenty of average players have accumulated large numbers of appearances at top clubs and not been missed when they were sold.

I have faith in youngsters like Lukaku and Chalobah because I see something in their character that I admire. Beyond the physical and technical elements of their game they have the right attitude to the game and that is what wins you games. You just throw out names of players you think we should sign like this is a videogame - it isn't. This club is a family and you need men to carry you to success.

Everything in a team is linked. The midfield is the key to everything in my opinion - they need to shield the defence whilst controlling the tempo of the game and they did neither.

So at one point you complain about how team plays and on other you dont want any new players?

If you think that Lukaku and Kdb and Chalobah would put us above Manchester clubs in next two years, you wont see it. They are our future but we need top players NOW. Or you can watch the same football we play this season next three seasons until Lukaku, Kdb and Chalobah become class. And by your posts you want this bad play stop as much as I do, but its utophia to thinktl that only loanees will change us into title contenders. We need players. Top players and squad/youth players. Lukaku would be perfect replacement for Torres, Chalobah for Essien and Kdb for Marin. We need top players now to get some chance of playing better football next year. Im not saying we should buy top and sell our youth players. We should buy two players who can fit right into starting team and improve us NOW. Kdb and Lukaku will start as rotation options and if they prove they will be starters. Ultimately its all up to coach.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

I've had these sort of comments thrown at me ever since i joined this forum regarding Mikel because i have never rated the guy, at that point there were hardly any knockers - i was very much in the minority. There were some arrogant remarks like 'you don't know nothing about football if you criticize Mikel'!! I pointed out his flaws long ago (other members are are now posting similar comments) with different members some of which are changing their tune about him now (fair play too) I've been waiting for Mikel to prove me wrong but he always flatters to deceive - if we forget his flaws or the excuses for one second and he actually has consistency in his game then detractors like me will get off his back. I rarely post, so other members have taken up the baton but i did say at the start of this season that if Mikel plays regularly then we will have no chance of winning the title.................

I do agree though he is not the only one that is inconsistent, the whole team are riddled with it but lets not fool our self's into thinking that Mikel is the only one to get stick, Torres gets most of it, Ivanovich is now getting his fair share, Bertrand is on the hit-list too - if players are performing then on the whole they won't get sledged.

If he gets to 29 and is performing consistently for this club then i will eat a large slice of humble pie, if not will you do the same?

I will judge Mikel once we will have complete team. Right now we are fucked up totaly. Bad coach, bad results, bad tactics, bad formations leads to players underperforming.

When we were complete team (under Ancelotti, 4:3:3), Mikel was beast. Now we lack striker, we lack DLP, we lack coach. Its not Mikels fault for all that.

[The only place to be 11,313]

So at one point you complain about how team plays and on other you dont want any new players?

If you think that Lukaku and Kdb and Chalobah would put us above Manchester clubs in next two years, you wont see it. They are our future but we need top players NOW. Or you can watch the same football we play this season next three seasons until Lukaku, Kdb and Chalobah become class. And by your posts you want this bad play stop as much as I do, but its utophia to thinktl that only loanees will change us into title contenders.

United aren't that much better than us and yes I absolutely think we could mount a serious title challenge with the likes of Lukaku, KDB and Chalobah alongside our current squad and a couple of signings. What I don't do is throw 15 names at the screen as a solution.

We need players. Top players and squad/youth players. Lukaku would be perfect replacement for Torres, Chalobah for Essien and Kdb for Marin. We need top players now to get some chance of playing better football next year. Im not saying we should buy top and sell our youth players. We should buy two players who can fit right into starting team and improve us NOW. Kdb and Lukaku will start as rotation options and if they prove they will be starters. Ultimately its all up to coach.

I don't disagree.

I will judge Mikel once we will have complete team. Right now we are fucked up totaly. Bad coach, bad results, bad tactics, bad formations leads to players underperforming.

When we were complete team (under Ancelotti, 4:3:3), Mikel was beast. Now we lack striker, we lack DLP, we lack coach. Its not Mikels fault for all that.

He was never a beast. What you're saying is that Mikel needs everyone around him to be at the top of their game to make him look good - we have a word for that: PASSENGER.

I've said this for so long - he doesn't make the player next to him better. He's not a leader, he's not going to put the team on his back and we don't need that type of player in the squad.

I asked you this earlier but now I'm going to ask you again.

When Mikel is in the wall for the free-kick yesterday, does his head go towards the ball or does he turn it away? Does he stick his head in the way of the ball? YES OR NO?

[EBH 283]

He is a water carrier, an anchor man. A type of player that is being phased out of world football.

This is not true. Everybody play 3 midfielders.

Look, if I have a triangle in midfield – Claude Makelele behind and two others just in front – I will always have an advantage against a pure 4-4-2 where the central midfielders are side by side. That’s because I will always have an extra man. It starts with Makelele, who is between the lines. If nobody comes to him he can see the whole pitch and has time. If he gets closed down it means one of the two other central midfielders is open. If they are closed down and the other team’s wingers come inside to help, it means there is space now for us on the flank, either for our own wingers or for our full-backs. There is nothing a pure 4-4-2 can do to stop things’.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

United aren't that much better than us and yes I absolutely think we could mount a serious title challenge with the likes of Lukaku, KDB and Chalobah alongside our current squad and a couple of signings. What I don't do is throw 15 names at the screen as a solution.

He was never a beast. What you're saying is that Mikel needs everyone around him to be at the top of their game to make him look good - we have a word for that: PASSENGER.

I've said this for so long - he doesn't make the player next to him better. He's not a leader, he's not going to put the team on his back and we don't need that type of player in the squad.

I asked you this earlier but now I'm going to ask you again.

When Mikel is in the wall for the free-kick yesterday, does his head go towards the ball or does he turn it away? Does he stick his head in the way of the ball? YES OR NO?

A couple of sigings? So you would buy few players like I said we need, yet you are telling me I would buy whole world and this aint fifa, but then you say you would buy couple of signings?

Man get some shit up together. If I mention 20 players we should try to buy, it doesnt mean we should buy all!! If I throw Modric, Moutinho, Strootman etc we should buy ONE of them, not all. If I mention 10 strkers we should buy ONE of the 10. You keep saying that Mikel is bad, that Luiz is bad, that Lamps is bad often, that Cole isnt that anymore,...and we should look for new players to replace them.

The biggest number of signings i mentioned we should get in summer is 3. Striker, DLP and winger/CB/DM. In reality we only need two. Striker and DLP.

You ask me if Mikel went for ball? No he didnt. Besides the ball was closer to Torres anyway.

Now I ask you something: How is buying Moutinho and Cavani (for example) whole world. How can you say that this is not game to me and charge me that I would buy whole world if I could (but I only want 2!!! new players), while you are saying we should buy Dm to replace Mikel, Cb to replace Luiz, isco to add depth, winger to add width, backup striker, Luke Shaw etc.

The one thing we are different is that if I had chance to buy players for chelsea I woul buy two world class players and give squad role to our youth players to add depth, while you would buy 5 cheaper players and put all the pressure on our loanees and those cheper players.

Now I wont even discuss this anymore. Lets Chelsea build the team, you will see Mikel stay in first squad until Chalobah will replace him in couple years. Until then Mikel will play good enough. He was great in CL final and start in this season until Rdm was sacked, stop fucking saying anything about his mentality, if he needs anything its motivation of the coach and we all know that Rafa is blind on that area.

[The only place to be 11,313]

You ask me if Mikel went for ball? No he didnt.

Thank you.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Thank you.

And that's it in a nutshell - we don't have players willing to put themselves on the line...

Why?

Because no fear of consequence, new manager every 6 months, players still get picked and paid - no issue.

We need a no-nonsense type of Manager, who demands the full from every player - fail to deliver = goodbye...

To be fair I admire SAF on this - the players don't give him shit and if they do, they are soon gone...

Just wished we had that fighting spirit back - would have loved to have seen Ballack bossing midfield today and Makalele breaking up play.

Me - if I was in charge, start with the new guys - bring them back from their millions of loans and give them all a run of games - experience? Not ready? Er... They are ready and will do more in 90 minutes than our so called regulars....