Mikel, the midfield maestro

[chrismada9 1,948]

I have to say it, Mikel has been one of my favourite players so far! I feel as though he's really come on as a Chelsea player, and he's finally beginning to mould into a regular starting eleven... AND he's young, which speaks a lot of volumes for him as a player, and for the career ahead of him.

At the beginning of the season, I was hoping Ramires was going to get regular starts, and that Mikel was going to struggle to get into the side, but Mikel's performances have made me think otherwise. The fact that Ramires has only just joined the club, and Mikel has spent more years at the club tells you that he's bound to get more starts in the side than Ramires this season. Though Ramires played exceptionally well against Arsenal yesterday.

Ramires I think was a huge buy on Mikel's behalf because it gave him a wake-up call to work hard for the team, and in doing so give him a place in the starting eleven ever week, and his display proves that he is only getting better every game, which makes me think, the more competition there is for places, the harder the players will work. Ramires has only just started to get a feel of English football, but mark my words... because there's a lot of competition for midfield places, particularly in the center, he will want to work extremely hard to get into the team, and we'll see the best out of him.

Going back to Mikel, I thought last season, he was sluggish with his movement, and I was furious when his back pass gave APOEL the chance to equalise at Stamford Bridge last year, but I think it's been Carlo's encouragement to him, to be whatever he wants to be, and like Alex has already said, it's working wonders for him.

That's one thing I like about Ancelotti, his words of wisdom to players. Letting his players know they are capable of doing a good job on the pitch, and even when teams are on a bad patch, they can pick themselves up quickly with a good set of wins under their belt.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Amazing to think last year same fans were crying out that we buy Lassana Diarra again.

[Steve 10,227]

Amazing to think last year same fans were crying out that we buy Lassana Diarra again.

Anyone with any sense would of backed this young man to make it with us. He was constantly improving and still is. He is one of our most consistant players and lets hope it continues!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

With Mikel, I'm very glad for two things: the initial faith I had in him has been rewarded, and he also has proved me wrong when I doubted him.

[diskoviolente 425]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/03/mikel-john-obi-chelsea

this is a very good read about Mikel.

Didn´t know that he was tipped to be the next big think at one time besides Messi.

Really interessting.

I always loved Mikel - in him you can see that with a bit of patience a once rough diamond can really start to shine if you give it time.....

Yesterday he really was like a certain Claude Makelele....

[diskoviolente 425]

oh the article has already been posted, sorry for that

[Kostas 1,468]

Was never his biggest fan but I got to give him credit.In caged games like the one against Arsenal he simply runs the show,does even more than Essien that alone is sign of his quality.And he's still very young,experience will only make him better.

I'm amazed by how this BridgeViews article back in March is coming true now.

[hunaz10 21]

guys don't think I'm joking, Mikel will be our next star like Lamps, probably he may replace him who knows...? I know I'm saying this because I am a fan of him personally, I liked him since his performance in the FA Cup Final 2007, I still remember the commentator's words...

1st half, it was like Community Shield,,,we were kind of sloppy 2nd half & ManU were enjoing possession in midfield, threatening to score first in the New Wembley & during the ET we were winning the balls in midfield, & the leading tackler was Mikel.... I can remember the commentator was saying like....'Mourinho has ordered his midfield players to close down Carrick & Fletcher & give them no room......& Chelsea players are doing exactly what the manager wanted' the deadlock did not break until Mikel toe poked a pass to Drogba, Drogba did a world class 1-2 with Lamps & The Cup Final Specialist did the killer blow....

Although Drogba, for his finishing, Lamps for his assists, Essien for his inch perfect Tackles were praised respectfully, Mikel went unnoticed for his midfield cameo where he read the game exceptionally well & the lad was very very strong even in his early 20s...... from then onwards I became a huge fan Mikel & never doubted his talent...!

It is worrying to see him transformed into a more defensive midfielder where he goes unnoticed every time but thanks to Carlo who has identified the unpolished Diamond who once came 2nd best player only to Barca's Leo Messi in the U19 World Cup

Come on Mikel I wish you all the best to score your 1st ever Premier League goal & to make more assists & creative passes......

[Badboy 1,526]

Mikel's ball keeping skills have always been advanced beyond his years that is why mourinho trusted him to play in the champions league knock out stage away at anfield at just 19 years of age in a congested midfield.

[zolayes 14,489]

It must be remembered that Mikel has three years of Jose conditioning to get out of his system . He was viewed by Jose as makas replacement .

As a result much of his natural flair was stifled .. Seems perhaps we are seeing develop and expand his game ...

[Madmax 9,219]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lLBwqGvM-0

[magic weeds 446]

nice video