Everytime I watch John Mikel Obi, I am often reminded of Cristiano Ronaldo; yes the very same CR7!
The story is told of how the young Portuguese on joining Manchester United stated his career goals; not to be a starter, not to get a long term contract, but to be the best player in the world.
Contrast that with Mikel Obi who first came to world attention at the FIFA U20 youth tournament in Holland where he was only second to Lionel Messi.
Since making his first start for Chelsea in the UEFA champions league on September 12 2006, Mikel has brought to the defensive midfield the use of possession as a defensive tactic and the ability of a team to control games from a deep defensive position in midfield.
It is in the use of possession as a defensive tactic that Mikel has staked a claim in this role. His ball handling skills, close control, and quick decision-making, makes him very difficult to 'press' against. Because he is safe and efficient, Chelsea has been able to build a midfield based on speed and power around him.
On signing for Chelsea this is what his coach Jose Mourinho said: "We will make him the complete midfielder. His offensive skill set is not in doubt, it's the defensive aspect of his game we have to work on, If he listens and learn, he has the potential to be the best midfielder in the world ".
It is in the use of possession as a defensive tactic that Mikel has staked a claim in this role. His ball handling skills, close control, and quick decision-making, makes him very difficult to 'press' against. Because he is safe and efficient, Chelsea has been able to build a midfield based on speed and power around him.
On signing for Chelsea this is what his coach Jose Mourinho said: "We will make him the complete midfielder. His offensive skill set is not in doubt, it's the defensive aspect of his game we have to work on, If he listens and learn, he has the potential to be the best midfielder in the world ".
But last week against Spurs in the premier league, Mikel was pulled at halftime by Jose Mourinho. That in itself is no news. But what was significant was how Mikel appeared to be caught in a carousel, as the ball was easily passed around him. He lacked the speed and mobility to press quickly in midfield, or the positional sense to read the movements around him. Some will blame his central midfield partner, Frank Lampard or the tactical organization of the team by Mourinho.
But the reality is that Mikel has been playing one way for more than half a decade, with the same range of passes, at the same tepid tempo; the same square ball, the same half trot!
He can't shoot straight and has not done anything to correct this in over 6 years, never mind the recent goal! In six years the iphone has been improved five times! There is not a top defensive midfielder in Europe of whom there is such a low expectation with regard to goal scoring.
Let there be no misunderstanding; I understand about the player's first responsibility being to his team and the instructions of the coach. But each player brings a unique individual identity to the game. Each player possesses the inalienable right to define himself in a manner that both fulfills the goals of his team and at the same time maximizes his potentials.
He can't shoot straight and has not done anything to correct this in over 6 years, never mind the recent goal! In six years the iphone has been improved five times! There is not a top defensive midfielder in Europe of whom there is such a low expectation with regard to goal scoring.
Let there be no misunderstanding; I understand about the player's first responsibility being to his team and the instructions of the coach. But each player brings a unique individual identity to the game. Each player possesses the inalienable right to define himself in a manner that both fulfills the goals of his team and at the same time maximizes his potentials.
Years ago, Ronald Koeman then manager at Ajax once complained about African footballers lacking professional ambition beyond the quest to get a contract. While I do not subscribe to such a broad brush, it has to be said that many an African footballer have made shortsighted career decisions that seemed to prioritize the short term financial gain over longer term professional development.
Where some look to be the best in their position or like CR7 to be the best player in the world, Mikel has been content to simply be a Chelsea starter, to get a contract renewed.
Where some look to be the best in their position or like CR7 to be the best player in the world, Mikel has been content to simply be a Chelsea starter, to get a contract renewed.
If anybody with top talent ever defined a lack of ambition its John Mikel Obi!!!
And still the beat goes on....The eternal sunshine of a content football mind.
How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd;
Eloisa to Abelard by Alexander Pope
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