Nigerian international, John Obi Mikel has tipped former Champions League winners, Chelsea to rumble against other top teams to win titles in England and on the European continent this season.
The 26-year-old, who has eight winners’ medals including the Champions League to show for his efforts, is still an integral figure at the club and enjoying working under Jose Mourinho, the manager who signed him from Lyn Oslo in 2006.
Mikel said: “I’ve worked with the manager before. I was happy he was coming back and I’m looking forward to working with him again.
“I came back from the Confederations’ Cup in the summer knowing how big this squad is, how good this team is, with fantastic players, so I knew it would be tough to get back in.
“I had to keep my head down and work twice as hard. I know with the manager once you work hard and he sees that, you always get your chance.
“That’s exactly what’s happened. I’m happy to be in the team again and hopefully that will continue.”
At West Ham, he made just his sixth start of the season but looked far more comfortable in front of the back four than Ramires and Frank Lampard.
He may struggle to live up to the incredible standards that Claude Makelele set at Stamford Bridge during his spell in Chelsea’s midfield between 2003-08 but Mikel’s display at Upton Park showed just why he can be so effective in allowing the attacking talent to shine.
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