When a squad is overhauled with technical brilliance in the midfield it is often the unattractive, more defensive player that loses out as the manager tries to squeeze as much creativity into the midriff.
This seems to be what is happening at Chelsea right now with ESPN reporting that Jon Obi Mikel will be making a switch to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Okay, maybe it is not just because of his position, as Mikel has come under some flack this season for his somewhat lacking performances and Rafa Benitez preferred Ramires and even David Luiz in the more defensive positions and it seems Jose Mourinho is not interested in giving him a chance.
Mikel’s pass success was pretty impressive, at 89%, but the rest of his statistics don’t do him much favours. He won little over half the duels he has attempted, which is the worst of any midfielder, and made no shots on target, no assists and made over 30 fouls.
With Daniele De Rossi and Xabi Alonso rumours circulating, that may also signal the fact that Mikel is surplus to requirements at the club.
There will be mixed response to the move should it come off as he was once a popular player at Stamford Bridge, but I think most will agree that a move away from the club would probably be a good move for all involved.
What are your thoughts? Would you like him to stay at the clun, or would it be best for him to leave?
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