We've Got Mikel

By Daniel Ragusa

When the rumours sparked that John Obi Mikel was at Rockliffe about to undergo a medical, Boro fans went into a state of shock.

Though some were disappointed at the fact that we were looking at signing another central midfielder, others realised how much of a coup this would be for the club.

After a month at the club, you’d struggle to find any fan who would complain about the Nigerian’s arrival on Teesside, so how exactly has Mikel had such a huge impact on Boro in such a short space of time?

QUALITY

Mikel made his debut for Boro against Newport County in the cup. Understandably, this was weaker opposition than Mikel was used to facing in his Chelsea days, but you could immediately see the talent he possessed. I don’t remember him losing the ball on his debut, or in the four games he’s played since.

He isn’t blessed with pace to burn, but somehow he’s always in the right place at the right time. He makes countless interceptions and springs Boro on the counter attack time and time again.

His movement off the ball is so subtle that opposing players find it difficult to track him; he often ghosts into positions to receive the ball and against Blackburn, he advanced into shooting positions on the edge of the box.

When he gets the ball he has the composure to turn and pick from a range of possible passing options, not just the nearest to him. With the ability to play the ball in behind the opposition’s defence with precision, creating chances from nothing is almost his second nature.

Personally, I’m still a huge fan of the man he’s replaced, Adam Clayton. But in this system only one of them is likely to get a starting place and it’s almost impossible to see Mikel on Boro’s bench with the quality he possesses and the form he’s in at the moment.

LEADERSHIP

He’s not the Captain of the Nigerian national team for nothing.

Whilst you may not see him barking orders to his side in a fashion you’d expect from leaders, his calmness undoubtedly rubs off onto his teammates, making Boro look better in possession as a result.

He will have also earned the respect of the dressing room almost immediately. His record in the game speaks for itself and, with the form he’s been in and the positive impact he’s had on the team since arriving on Teesside, it cannot be disputed that he is a commanding presence.

EXPERIENCE

He was often labelled as ‘Chelsea’s water boy’ during his time in the capital, but it would be hard to come across any Blues fans who don’t appreciate what he gave to a club where he played 374 games.

Shortly after announcing himself on the big stage at the FIFA World Youth Championships, Chelsea signed him as an attacking midfielder in 2006. He was even runner-up in the Player of the Tournament award, losing out to a certain Lionel Messi (never heard of him).

During his time at Stamford Bridge however, he developed into a defensive midfielder and played alongside the likes of Lampard, Makelele, Essien and Ballack, predominantly as a rotational member of the squad.

Despite the fact that he didn’t get as much game time at Chelsea as he probably deserved, Mikel remained loyal to the club and played a key role in the vast amount of trophies Chelsea won during his eleven-year spell at the club. two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Europa League and, unforgettably, a Champions League.

Now aged 31, Mikel’s serial-winner mentality and his experience at the height of the professional game will unquestionably help Boro in their promotion charge.

IMPORTANCE

His role at Boro may primarily be to marshal the midfield and snuff out opposition attacks, but it has also been interesting to see his impact on Boro’s attacks.

In the games that Mikel has played so far, Boro have looked a lot more threatening on the offensive, creating countless chances against West Brom, Leeds and Blackburn in particular.

Goalscoring opportunities for our attackers have been hard to come by this season, especially at home, but with Mikel in the side Boro look to get forward a lot quicker, rather than retaining possession in their own half. Whether direct, as we saw with his advanced positioning against Blackburn, or indirect, as there is greater defensive security when he sits in front of the defence, Mikel’s importance to Boro’s attack shouldn’t be understated.

INSTANT HERO

‘The African Zidane’ has had an instant connection with the Boro faithful, who just can’t seem to get enough of him.

The catchy “we’ve got Mikel” chant has been ringing around the Riverside and every ground Boro have visited since his arrival, and deservedly so.

Just as he’s done all the right things on the pitch, Mikel has also said all the right things when speaking to the media, showing that he’s humble by emphasising the team performance and distancing himself from personal plaudits. Although he’s chosen an unusual number for a midfielder, he’s been winning Boro new supporters the world over with demand for shirts with his name on the back going through the roof, especially in Nigeria.

Imagine the frenzy if he re-signed in the summer once his six month deal expires.

GASTON 2.0?

During the transfer window, there were plenty of calls for a Gaston Ramirez-type signing to reignite promotion fever (perhaps for his talents on the pitch rather than his attitude off it).

Although efforts made to sign a creative midfielder ultimately failed, Mikel seems like a pretty good alternative. He has already had a great impact, with Boro picking up important results against big teams since he joined the club.

When we were promoted back in 2016, Ramirez took the team to another level and was arguably the key player in getting back to the Premier League. He helped the rest of the team play better, similar to how John Obi has done so far.

The people of Teesside took him to their hearts, sang his name in the streets and he delivered week in week out on the pitch in return.

Mikel may not be able to score freekicks or take on his man in the same way Gaston used to, but he offers solidity, composure, experience and undoubted quality.

He’s the best midfielder in the league, and we’re lucky to have him.