Sunday Oliseh Questions Mikel’s Midfield Qualities

Former Nigerian footballer Sunday Oliseh has opined that Mikel Obi does not have what it takes to be an offensive midfielder, and also noted that he would rather play Leicester City of England star Wilfred Ndidi in a defensive midfield position, a position Mikel flourished in during his time at Chelsea.

Oliseh who played for top European sides like Borussia Dortmund of Germany tutored both Mikel and Ndidi during his time as the head coach of the Nigerian national team, a period Ndidi got his first debut with the three-time African champions.

Mikel, 35, is currently without a club, while Ndidi, 25, who plays for Leicester City is one of the best defensive midfielders in the English Premier League at the moment. Oliseh during an ATHLST Podcast hailed Mikel for doing “some good with Chelsea,’’ but argued that “when you talk about playing as an offensive midfielder, he’s not an offensive midfielder.’’

Oliseh further went on to state that he would still not play Mikel as a defensive midfielder, but rather prefer to play Wildred Nddi in the position ahead of the UEFA Champions League winner.

“My man here knows I’m blunt to say certain things. Offensive midfielders have certain qualities, and he doesn’t have any of them,’’ Oliseh added.

“As regards as a defensive midfielder, I think he’s useful, but I won’t play him.

“I’ll play Ndidi because a defensive midfielder’s work is you have to win balls without making fouls, you have to be very good in aerial balls.

“You have to have some control by helping others.”

Source

Pulse NG

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