Stoke City of England midfielder, John Mikel Obi has gained encomiums from The Potters’ coach, Michael O’Neill, who expressed awe with the former Super Eagles’ captain’s performance against Bournemouth, megasportsarena.com reports.
Mikel made the best of the last game of the season in the English Championship to show the stuff he is made of, and left O’Neill rem9nsicing over memories of what the veteran star used to do during his days with Chelsea in the English Premier League.
It was a huge highlight to the climax of a truly defining campaign for ‘The Catalyst,’ who made 41 appearances in all competitions this season and helped Stoke keep 16 clean sheets, leaving O’Neill to joke that he is hoping that Chelsea loan him their club legend for next season.
The 34-year-old arrived at the bet365 Stadium last August, signing a deal until the end of last season, and has done enough to earn himself a new contract, as he again showed his quality by helping The Potters defeat Bournemouth 2-0 at Vitality Stadium on the final day of the term.
He was involved in the build-up to Stoke City’s second goal when he expertly controlled the ball and slipped in Sam Clucas who sent Smith on his way and the number 14 picked out the bottom corner.
Mikel, who spent ten and a half years at Chelsea, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice, the Champions League and Europa League during his time with the club, has now gained fresh accolades from O’Neill.
O’Neill told StokeonTrentLive: “I thought he was brilliant. The pass he plays for Rabbi Matondo in the first half too. I’ve just said to him in the dressing room that I hope we can get that player on loan from Chelsea again next season.
“I thought he looked every bit. You can see with performances like that why he was at Chelsea for such a length of time in his career. He’s been a top player who has won everything in the game.
“He’s been a brilliant signing. When we’re compact as a team we get the best of John. He’s very positive around the club, a lot of help for the young players and I’m delighted to have him.”
