StorySam Sodje is of the opinion that Chelsea midfielder John obi Mikel should stay at Position

Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje is of the opinion that Chelsea midfielder John obi Mikel should stay at Chelsea and fight for his position.

The 28-year-old looked almost certain to leave the club in this transfer window. However, Chelsea’s failure to secure the signing of Paul Pogba before transfer deadline day has left him facing another six months at Stamford Bridge. It is clear that he is no longer the first choice at Chelsea. For several years – after the departure of Mourinho in his first spell, Mikel was the first team regular at Chelsea. He was seen as the replacement for Claude Makelele.

An attacking midfielder at international level, Mikel plays in an entirely different role for Chelsea. It is anticipated that clubs that are trying to sign him will also search for a similar job from him. He has intense competition for the defensive midfield position at Chelsea. The likes of Ramires, Nemanja Matic,Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and even Kurt Zouma are all capable of playing in this position and are considered to be ahead of Mikel in the pecking order. Last season, the Nigerian international made only six starts in the Premier League. He had just under 700 minutes of league action throughout the campaign.

“Mikel has done brilliant. It is not an easy feat playing for a big team like Chelsea for several seasons, so I want [Nigerians] to be careful about what we wish for him.The English Premier League is a very tough league and hopefully I believe he can do well with the Blues in future.Personally, I want him to stay at Chelsea because he would definitely get his chance to play. Mikel is a top player and Sunday Oliseh himself knows this,” said Sodje. Mikel stands to lose his international place if he does not play regularly.