Samson Siasia says Chelsea have “destroyed” Mikel John Obi
Samson Siasia, the coach of Nigerian national football team, has voiced his opinions about the effect of Chelsea’s playing tactics on Mikel John Obi.
The National coach slammed the English champions’ team setup, which has seen Mikel occupy a defensive midfield role. Siasia explained that John was naturally an offensive player and Chelsea’s team setup had stamped out his natural
attacking instincts.
John announced his arrival on the international stage in 2005 where he helped his national side to reach the finals of the FIFA World Youth Championships. Although, the Nigerians lost to Argentina 2-1 in the final, Obi Mikel claimed
the Silver Ball after being judged as the 2nd best player of the tournament behind Lionel Messi.
The Nigerian made his move to Stamford Bridge in 2006 and impressed the Blues manager of the time, Jose Mourinho, to cement his place in the 1st team. However, due to the imposing presence of attacking midfielders like
Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, Mikel did not manage to feature in an offensive role for Chelsea.
Talking about his player’s attributes, The Super Eagles coach said, “The system in Chelsea actually destroyed Mikel’s game. Mikel is an offensive player, but when he moved to Chelsea, they changed him because they had a better
player offensive wise like Frank Lampard who can score goals. I don’t think he is playing in his natural position because we all saw what Mikel played in 2005 and everybody loved him for what he did, he can keep the ball and create chances for the strikers
to score goals.”
Samson commented that Mikel would have to do more going forward to become a world-beater.
He said, “Mikel is a fantastic player, but if you want to be a great player, you have to take risks, do something extra. As a defensive midfielder, you do not have to do much; you just win the ball and pass to the other player.
The offensive player takes on more responsibilities.”
While defending his point, Siasia quoted the example of African midfield maestro Michael Essien. He explained that even when Essien occupies defensive positions, he moves forward in search of goals and takes his chances to shoot.
Mikel generally acts as the cover in front of the back-four and since his move to the west London club in 2006, has only managed to score two goals.
In order to add versatility to his game, Samson Siasia has advised the 23 year old to leave Chelsea and find a club, which can accommodate him in an attacking midfield position. However, the player himself is happy at the Bridge
and does not intend to move away from his current club.
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