Mikel John Obi

[robdog 2,084]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2534573/John-Obi-Mikel-How-Chelsea-man-transformed-seven-years-crucial-component.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=chelsea+fc+transfer+speculations

I gotta admit this writer knew what he was talking about. How the facts are taken to Mikel. What he does on the pitch, but the most impressive thing about the whole article for me was this stat:

Mikel is the fourth non-British player to reach that total for Chelsea, behind undisputed club legends Petr Cech (459 appearances), Didier Drogba (341) and Gianfranco Zola (312).

He probably won't beat Cech, but I can seeing him getting by both DD & Zola. Mad props to him.

[AndersonBLUE 819]

captain leader legend

lol

[Milan 17,835]

https://twitter.com/Lee_Mitchell11/status/420263331845636096/photo/1

[CHOULO19 24,332]

https://twitter.com/Lee_Mitchell11/status/420263331845636096/photo/1

Yeah I saw that on Twitter. I can't believe he actually went through with it! Lmaooooooooooo

[Bosnian Blue 2,471]

Seems like God has a great sense of humour.

[Mouri_Matic 560]

Would be funny if after like 5 years he becomes one of the player with most appearances in Chelsea history, would be quite funny as I doubt anyone could see this coming after his calamity during those early years.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Runner up for African player of the year. Yaya won it for the third consecutive time.

[happy_juan 64]

Thats now 8 starts in 21 PL games. Mourinho really really rates Mikel very highly.

[kellzfresh 7,226]

If mikel plays in the pivot with matic, he may be allowed to boom forward and we will see his natural game play. He has never/rarely been the more attacking CM in chelsea. If he plays with matic and is afforded that freedom, I bet people will be shocked at what he can do.

[happy_juan 64]

If mikel plays in the pivot with matic, he may be allowed to boom forward and we will see his natural game play. He has never/rarely been the more attacking CM in chelsea. If he plays with matic and is afforded that freedom, I bet people will be shocked at what he can do.

Hahahahhaha

Mikel's limitations are because of lack of ability/desire and not 'role' in the team.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

^So now that Phil's gone, how's this guy still here?

[The only place to be 11,313]

If mikel plays in the pivot with matic, he may be allowed to boom forward and we will see his natural game play. He has never/rarely been the more attacking CM in chelsea. If he plays with matic and is afforded that freedom, I bet people will be shocked at what he can do.

I never liked Mikel as part of the spine of the team because I really don't think he's someone you can rely on in tough situations and I've rarely seen him dominate. Hopefully Matic becomes that leader in midfield for us and Mikel can go alongside him freed up from a fair amount of responsibility so he can express himself more.

It could be the making of him, or it'll simply underline how unnecessary he is.

[kellzfresh 7,226]

I never liked Mikel as part of the spine of the team because I really don't think he's someone you can rely on in tough situations and I've rarely seen him dominate. Hopefully Matic becomes that leader in midfield for us and Mikel can go alongside him freed up from a fair amount of responsibility so he can express himself more.

It could be the making of him, or it'll simply underline how unnecessary he is.

Exactly. He was a central midfielder before he joined us so I feel he has never played his natural position. Even when paired with luiz, luiz goes forward and he stays back.

Matic staying as the DM will show Mikels true abilities or weakness.

Hahahahhaha

Mikel's limitations are because of lack of ability/desire and not 'role' in the team.

The role also helps. He is a boss for nigeria, because he plays the role lampard is playing for us.

[happy_juan 64]

The role also helps. He is a boss for nigeria, because he plays the role lampard is playing for us.

Chelsea compete at a whole different level compared to Nigeria. Lets not even start those comparisons.

[kellzfresh 7,226]

Chelsea compete at a whole different level compared to Nigeria. Lets not even start those comparisons.

Don't go off topic on the point I'm making. I didn't say Nigeria > chelsea.

Its the position of play that suits him in my opinion. Lampard plays far better as a CM in a 4-3-3 the same way mikel will play far better as a CM.

[Jase 43,479]

Mikel and Anderson: victims of a distrust of creativity

[happy_juan 64]

Don't go off topic on the point I'm making. I didn't say Nigeria > chelsea.

Its the position of play that suits him in my opinion. Lampard plays far better as a CM in a 4-3-3 the same way mikel will play far better as a CM.

How did I go off topic there? You are the one thay brought in his performances for nigerian NT.

Having trouble understanding English?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

If mikel plays in the pivot with matic, he may be allowed to boom forward and we will see his natural game play. He has never/rarely been the more attacking CM in chelsea. If he plays with matic and is afforded that freedom, I bet people will be shocked at what he can do.

I think the point of getting Matic was that Jose wants a dynamic pivot for his pressing system. So I think that the starting pivot players will be Ramirs and Matic. That said, I think Mikel will continue to play the role he's played since the start of the season.