Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has said the club are yet to find a replacement for John Obi-Mikel.
The 42-year-old Cole was a teammate with Mikel at Chelsea
for four years (2006 to 2010) before the former England international joined
Liverpool ahead of the 2010/11 season.
At Chelsea, both players won the Premier League, FA Cup,
League Cup and Community Shield.
Reflecting on how Mikel ended up becoming an important
player at Chelsea, Cole said on Mikel’s podcast Obi One.
“There was a big furore because of the Manchester United
connection, in the press it was like ‘did he sign for Manchester United’ Alex
Ferguson was furious, Chelsea was fighting for him and I said to myself he must
be a hell of a player. He must be unbelievable because everyone wanted him.
“Coming to the club and choosing to play in the defensive
position he had a harder job than anyone because he had to dislodge Claude
Makelele. And Chelsea were very smart because they probably got John in
thinking Makelele has to go in a few years and John’s going to come in and we
saw the career he went on to have, he was a top, top player.
“I played with Michael Carrick at West Ham as well and such
players are not appreciated while you are there because they are just doing
their job. All the little things on the pitch that need doing they did and like
Makelele and Carrick it’s only when they are gone that you realize how good
they are and I don’t think Chelsea have replaced him (Mikel).
Cole added: “So we’ve had Makelele, John Obi Mikel and I’m
hoping Caicedo will be that guy but we need someone in that anchor.”
Mikel helped the Blues land a first UEFA Champions League
title in 2012 and was part of the side that won the 2012/13 Europa League
title.
However, the 2013 AFCON winner departed the club in 2017. He
is now retired.
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