John Obi Mikel Lead Chelsea to Safety this Season

John Obi Mikel has been almost forgotten by Chelsea but might just get to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now.

The Nigerian midfield maestro was reduced to cameo appearances from the bench and the odd domestic cup starts, a player who started in both of the Blues’ Champions League finals has drifted into obscurity.

It is easy to forget Mikel is in his 10th season at Stamford Bridge, a club career that he will be making his 350th appearance for today.

He has outlasted 10 managerial appointments and won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice and both the Champions and Europa Leagues.

With a lack of playing time, many other players may have complained, asked for a transfer or agitated in the media, but not Mikel, the player has been a club man and has always supported his team.

Guus Hiddink’s return to the dugout at Stamford Bridge is huge opportunity for Mikel. The Nigerian was popular under Hiddink starting 16 of the 25 games the Dutchman oversaw in his first spell.

The signs are good for Mikel in his second spell as well with the player coming on as a half time substitute in his first game and starting his second.

Mikel has looked sharp in these two games, particularly his 45 minutes against Watford, so he has made a solid case for increased involvement under the new regime.

With Cesc Fabregas struggling for form. Mikel is competing with Ramires as Ruben Loftus Cheek for the second midfield spot next to Nemanja Matic and seems to be ready to take his place once again.

With Hiddink likely to stick to experience and what he knows, this could see Mikel featuring a lot for the Blues.

He may not be universally popular with Chelsea fans, but in a time of crisis this familiar face could play a key role in steadying the ship and he has shown that in the build up for Chelsea’s first goal against Crystal Palace.