John Obi Mikel makes case for Chelsea defence
Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel has revealed he is happy to be the team’s holding midfielder, even though it means the degree of his input into the team is sometimes limited.
Nigeria international Mikel showed his attacking nous when he delivered a well-placed pass to set up the English Premier League defending champions’ second goal for Nicolas Anelka in a 6-0 thumping of Wigan Athletic last weekend.
He told his club’s official website that he is far happier in defence than in attack, saying that: "I don't always get the opportunity to show my range of passing. It is quite difficult. You have everyone in front of you but if I get to do it more and create goals, then good, and it is great we scored 12 goals (in their opening two EPL matches) but more important to me is that I think it's good we haven't conceded any. That's where I feel happiest — my responsibility is more in the defence than the attack."
Covering for Cole
He also revealed that he often finds himself edging towards the left side of midfield to cover for cover for left-back Ashley Cole’s surging runs up the flank to join the attacking players. He said that: "It's because Ashley is always going forwards, always, so I cover him more. (Right-backs) Paulo Ferreira or Branislav Ivanovic don't go forward so much, so it is something we want in the team. Florent Malouda always goes forward too, and Frank Lampard is on that side too, so there is a space left open more than on the right with Michael Essien who plays deeper. We all have a good understanding at the moment, they all know when to go and when to come in. I think it's pretty much working out as we want it to all the time.”
The 23-year-old has been with Chelsea since 2006, when he joined from Norweigan club Lyn following a complicated transfer saga invlolving fellow EPL giants Manchester United. Mikel has made 159 appearances in total for the club and has scored twice. He has picked up an EPL winners’ medal and has also won three FA Cups, a League Cup and a Community Shield.
Mikel has also made 15 appearances for the Nigeria national team and has scored two goals for his country.
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