Chelsea FC: Most Likely Exits

John Obi Mikel

Signed by Chelsea FC, then managed by Jose Mourinho, in 2006 for 16 million pounds after a long drawn-out ownership battle between Lyn Oslo, Manchester United and Chelsea FC, the 28-year old Nigerian has witnessed the club secure the EPL twice, F.A. Cup 4 times, League Cup twice and the Champions League and Europa League, making him one of the most decorated African footballers in club football, alongside players like Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and Nwankwo Kanu. He has also won the African Nations Cup once, an accolade equalled by Yaya Toure and exceeded by Samuel Eto’o (4 times).

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He has been named African Young Player of the year in 2005 and 2006, Chelsea Young Player of the year in 2007 and 2008 and was also in the running for African Footballer of the year in 2013, finishing second to Yaya Toure. He, along with Messi, was rated as one of the most promising youngsters in the world after his stellar performances for Nigeria in the Under-20 World Cup in 2005, finishing as the second best player behind Lionel Messi. His fantastic passing ability, close control and ability to manoeuvre through tight spaces were lauded as some of his most impressive attributes.

So why would a such a highly decorated player be included in a list of players most likely to exit the club? Well, the most telling evidence is the fact that the League Cup final against Tottenham is the first cup final in Mikel’s 9-year Chelsea career that he has failed to start in! To put it into perspective, Kurt Zouma, a central defender by trade, was selected ahead of him to partner Matic in midfield.

During the just concluded season, he made just 26 appearances in all tournaments. 18 of those appearances came in the Premier League, with only 6 being starts, while he only made 2 appearances in the Champions League (1 start). For a player currently earning 90,000 pounds per week, that is a very poor return.

Jose Mourinho has been blamed for his regression as a player, as it has been claimed that his decision to convert Mikel into a midfield destroyer in the mould of Claude Makelele practically stifled his creativity. But when you consider the fact that every Chelsea manager since Mourinho’s exit and return have persisted with playing him in the same role, it clearly indicates that they probably saw the same qualities that made Mourinho initiate the change.

The fact that he has failed to take advantage of the creative role he plays for the Nigerian national team further makes it clear that he has clearly failed to improve in his creativity. In fact, the African Nations Cup win in 2013 was secured with Mikel playing a pivotal role for the team… in defensive midfield!

Mourinho’s claim that he intends to blood more youngsters in the future, starting with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, does not bode well for Mikel’s future at the club. Players like Van Ginkel and Nathan Ake are other youngsters knocking on the door of the Chelsea first team as well. Currently valued at 10 million pounds, Mourinho will most likely consider selling him off to take away his massive wages and fund the transfer of some of his current targets like Koke and Pogba.

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