“My idol”- Mikel Obi snubs Casemiro, Kante, Busquets, names ex-Chelsea star as his greatest defensive midfielder

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has revealed that his greatest defensive midfielder of all time is former Chelsea star Claude Makelele, Soccernet.ng reports.

Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 after a controversial transfer triangle involving Manchester United. At the time he joined the club, he was one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world.

However, coach Jose Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder. At the time, French defensive midfielder Makelele was the first-choice at the club. And Mikel was clearly an understudy.

By the time, Makelele was leaving Chelsea in 2008, Mikel had already established himself in the position. The former Super Eagles star went on to play for the club until 2017, when he moved to China.

Mikel hosted Makelele in the latest edition of his podcast, and he gave a glowing recommendation of the former France star.

“My mentor, my idol in my position that I played. For me, he is the greatest that has ever played in that position. You must be doing something right if you have a position named after you,” Mikel said.

Makelele is highly regarded as one of the best defensive defenders of all time. Aside from Chelsea, he played for other top clubs like PSG and Real Madrid.

This post was last modified on October 28, 2024 4:42 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

58 minutes ago

Sevilla FC: Nigerian prospect Ola Great receives trial invitation from La Liga club

Nigerian footballer Ola Great has received an official trial invitation from the Spanish La Liga… Read More

2 hours ago

Former Super Eagles midfielder reveals what Nigeria need to win AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has revealed what the Nigerian team need to emerge… Read More

6 hours ago

“He’ll train again tomorrow” – Alonso welcomes Boniface with open arms following scuffed Al-Nassr deal

Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso, has confirmed Super Eagles striker, Victor Okoh Boniface,… Read More

8 hours ago

Nottingham Forest could be tempted as Everton weigh up £33m offer for Super Eagles star

Nine-time English Premier League Champions, Everton, are looking to sign Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest… Read More

8 hours ago