The former Chelsea midfielder retired from international duty after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and that created a room for a new number ten in the Super Eagles squad.
Although he has played as a central midfielder, Joe Aribo took over Mikel's jersey no, and there have been calls for him to play the number ten role.
However, while Mikel appreciates Aribo's talents, the Tranzonpor midfielder believes Alex Iwobi is his natural successor in the Super Eagles squad.
The Everton man played in Mikel's position at the Africa Cup of Nations and it left the former Chelsea midfielder impressed. The 32-year-old believes Iwobi should be allowed to continue in that role as he is the only one that plays it perfectly.
Speaking to Brilla where Soccernet.ng got excerpts from, Mikel said: “I like the man who took my number Aribo but many people don’t understand that Alex Iwobi is the player in my role”.
”Iwobi started playing that role from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and I have been impressed with how he has settled in properly. We all know he is a good player so it’s no surprise that he has done well so far”
