Mikel Obi is suddenly the new star as troubled Chelsea fight their way back to the top of the English Premier League, but with a year left on his contract questions are being asked if his future is really at Stamford Bridge.
In April, the Nigeria midfielder will be 29 and this is his 10th year at the EPL champions during which time he has been very much part of the club’s biggest moments – UEFA Champions League and Europa League triumphs well as two EPL championships.
But it is also this season that Mikel’s future at ‘The Blues’ came under serious scrutiny as he was left on the bench by the man who incidentally gave him his big break in England, Jose Mourinho.
Even when the preferred Nemanja Matic struggled, Mourinho hardly looked the way of Mikel.
But even at the high points of his time at Chelsea, Mikel has been far from a popular player with the fans, who have criticised his style of play.
But now under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink, the Nigeria star is enjoying a new lease of life and Cheslea have now gone three games unbeaten, winning for the first time across London at Crystal Palace to avenge a first round defeat.
Mikel has been handed the responsibility of playing as the holding midfielder by Hiddink to the admiration of the manager, pundits and fans alike.
On Sunday, he shone as he broke down Palace in the middle of the park. The former Lyn Oslo of Norway ace was always at the right place to pick up the loose balls and the times he was in the right place to pick up second balls and recycle possession — that really highlighted his contribution.
Hiddink described the Nigeria international as “the ideal player” to keep balance in the Chelsea team.
“If we have three very creative players [in midfield] … it’s possible but in this league, it’s difficult. That’s why we look for the balance. John Obi is the ideal player to bring balance back to the team,” remarked Hiddink.
“Previously Chelsea conceded a lot of goals and you can say that the four defenders are not doing their jobs. But if the team is not willing to defend well, or does not have the right balance, then you concede a lot of goals. John Obi can recover the ball and he reads the game very well. A player who can defend so smoothly, for me, is beautiful to see.”
Mikel enjoyed a good time under the Dutch coach in his first spell in 2009 as Chelsea manager and the Nigerian is feeling wanted again and has good environment to do what he knows how to do best.
“We’re working hard and we’re more relaxed. We’re on the way to where we belong,” said Mikel.
The player though will still have to consider a big pay day as he nears the end of a hugely decorated career and in the coming season, with a new man in charge and a different drive for Chelsea, he will most certainly have to weigh his options going forward.
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