John Mikel Obi Designs His Perfect Midfielder Drawing Inspiration from Premier League Icons
John Mikel Obi, celebrated for his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and his influential years at Chelsea, recently embarked on an intriguing project: assembling his ultimate midfielder. Tasked with choosing one player to embody each of six critical skills-passing, shooting, tackling, speed, strength, and dribbling-Mikel’s picks offer a unique insight into what defines midfield mastery.
Notably, his selections omit legendary figures such as Zidane, Xavi, and Iniesta, instead spotlighting former Premier League stars exclusively. This approach crafts a dream midfield lineup rooted firmly in the English top division’s storied past.
Breaking Down Mikel Obi’s Midfield Dream Team
Passing: To represent exceptional vision and precise distribution, Mikel turned to Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend known for his impeccable timing and range. “Scholes had an uncanny ability to dictate the rhythm of the game with his passes. Watching him thread the ball through tight spaces was like witnessing a master craftsman at work,” Mikel reflected.
Shooting: For lethal goal-scoring from midfield, Mikel selected his former Chelsea colleague Frank Lampard. Holding the record as Chelsea’s top scorer with 211 goals, Lampard’s precision and power from distance were unmatched. “His ability to strike with both accuracy and force made him a constant threat, season after season,” Mikel stated.
Tackling: Instead of a conventional defensive midfielder, Mikel opted for Liverpool’s iconic Steven Gerrard to showcase tenacity in defense. “Having faced Gerrard firsthand, I can attest that even as his role evolved offensively, his tackling remained relentless and impactful. He was a true leader who often carried the team’s spirit,” Mikel commented.
Speed: While initially considering Yaya Touré for his impressive pace and endurance, Mikel ultimately awarded this category to N’Golo Kanté, praising the Frenchman’s tireless movement and quick bursts that disrupt opposition play.
Strength: For sheer physicality and dominance in midfield battles, Mikel returned to Yaya Touré, emphasizing his commanding presence and ability to overpower rivals in tight situations.
Dribbling: The final skill was attributed to the elegant Spanish playmaker David Silva. Mikel admired Silva’s exceptional ball control, spatial intelligence, and inventive flair, which consistently posed problems for defenders in attacking zones.