JOHN MIKEL OBI

JOHN MIKEL OBI

JOHN MIKEL OBI

JOHN MIKEL OBI

A powerfully-built young man, with exceptional ball skills, his standing as one of the brightest young talents in the game had been confirmed at the African Cup of Nations earlier that year, his senior international debut having come in August 2005.

Previously Mikel had starred in the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Youth Championships where he was voted the tournament's second best player as Nigeria made the final. The player trained with Chelsea for one week in the winter of 2004 and José Mourinho had seen enough to wish to sign him.

Following on from the transfer of Kalou the same summer, the arrival of Mikel confirmed Chelsea's determination to add exciting young talent as well as established stars to the squad.

Having smoothed out some rough edges both on and off the pitch, Chelsea increasingly used Mikel's talent in the holding midfield role, especially when requiring a long range of passing.

Named Chelsea Young Player of the Year, he survived an injury scare the week before to play the whole of the 2007 FA Cup Final win.