Nigeria’s head coach Gernot Rohr looks to bow to the pressure of removing playmaker John Mikel Obi from the crucial “No 10” role but the former Chelsea defensive midfielder still holds the key to Nigeria’s midfield woes. Mikel was subject to criticism after their 2-0 defeat to Croatia as the captain failed to inspire his teammates despite being fielded in the creative midfield role. This have prompted several football analyst including legendary footballer Jay Jay Okocha who voiced out their disdain at the former Chelsea defensive midfielder.

Football analyst and supporters have advised head coach Gernot Rohr to deploy him to the defensive midfield position or to drop him to the bench in the upcoming game against Iceland with legendary footballer Jay Jay Okocha and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho backing the ideas. While the “No 10” role is tasked with the role of creating chances for the wide players and striker, the defensive midfield position is the role tasked with the job of shielding the defense and midfield stability. Nigeria football news reported that the Super eagles captain have shown openness and liberality to any decision the coach takes as he promises to do everything to ensure Nigeria makes it to the knockout stages of the Russia 2018 World cup. When asked about playing in defensive midfield position on Wednesday, Mikel responded “If I have to sacrifice for the team to progress, I will”. “If I have to sacrifice a position, go play wherever, I will do that for this team to win games”.


The deployment of Mikel to the defensive position of the Nigerian midfield might be the key to attaining midfield and overall stability in the Nigerian team. It is no longer news that this was the position that the Super eagles captain operated from in his successful 11yrs stint at Chelsea. Mikel while at Chelsea played under different tactics, managers and players in this position as well as in big games with the famous UEFA Champion’s league final against Bayern Munich in 2012. The Nigeria talisman within his 11yr stint mastered the art of retaining possession with accurate passing of the ball while playing in the defensive midfield role, a rare feat that will prove to be vital when the Nigeria team take on Iceland on Friday. Mikel Obi was also revered in the position due to his flexibility as he complimented his partners, the Nigerian midfielder adapted to difference calibers of midfielders ranging from box-to-box to central midfielders.

The deployment of the Nigerian midfielder in the defense midfield position could provide the stability and platform from attacking minded players could operate from. While former Chelsea footballer offers all this positives in the withdrawn role, his switch in position could have a negative impact on the team. Gernot Rohr have been accustomed to field 3 recognized midfielders in matches in a bid to balance the midfield in case of moments requiring intense defense, the deployment of the Nigerian captain in the defense midfield position could potentially alter the entire team. Mikel despite his experience and quality lacks the pace to keep up with the position. This could prompt another tactical decision to field Onazi, Etebo or Ndidi alongside him. While fielding Onazi affords him less defensive duties at the middle of the park, Etebo or Ndidi playing alongside him could mean that the former Chelsea midfielder will be heavily involved in defensive duties.

Mikel remains the key to unlocking Nigeria’s midfield potential in this world cup irrespective of the position he is deployed to on Friday. Gernot Rohr will need to make a strong tactical decision on Fridaywhether to field the Nigerian skipper in his “Creative role” or “the withdrawn role”.


Source- www.trendingfootballnews.com

Hmm

Benched or play between defense nd midfield to make the defend stronger nd also to assist etebo

Yeah

Cut Mikel Obi some Slack

Mikel Obi failed to be effective against Croatia, same thing happened to Messi, Aguero and Higuain. This is not by accident. Croatia are set-up in a way to neutralize the threat of opponents. Give Mikel some support, he could still shine at this world even as a No.10 — Jose Mourinho take note.

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Nigeria is winning by 2 goals and atleast 1 will be scored by heanocho

Mikel should be bench

I don't even understand why this is an issue. This guy is a DM through and through. Only an idiot would play him in a different position.

All those fake rice, fake egg and dog meat in China has ruined Mikel. He now lacks speed and agility. He should leave China for an european club where he will be well fed and forced to hone his skills against far better teams.

Ha

like if you think he should not start share if you think he should start


i don't like our formation no passion no synergy no love just a bunch of jersey wearers

make una forget super eagles matter.
Croatia go beat us
Iceland go beat us
Argentina go beat us
if we come down from plane rain go beat us
hungry go beat us
sars go beat us
book haram go beat us
buhari go beat us.

BOTH.

Must they make us do permutations and calculations every time?


I know they will lose tomorrow sha.

Let no one quote me, cos I know.

They are wingless chicks. Dazall

Mikel key?
No worries , I'll be rooting for Iceland 2mao
when you find the padlock mention me

My own is that they should win, I don't want to know how them wan do am

Mikel is not a 10. Full stop. What has he played in china Even the DM he played in chelsea dem no dey miss am

I heard Mikel plays centre back for Tianjin Teda, he now plays as no.10 for Nigeria, Genot Rohr is a terrible tactician

The questions should be, what is Mikel still doing in our National team?

Can't wait to see Nigeria performance 2moro

Mikel should warm the bench, simple

Earthbound:
I don't even understand why this is an issue. This guy is a DM through and through. Only an idiot would play him in a different position.

Only an idiot like Ge-nuts Roar

China German Coach.... Coach of Jersey Eagles of Nigeria....Dont fvck us again...... Pls bench your lover Mikel. Thanks!

Ok

I love mikel
Like for Mikel share for Hate

Mikel should just go and rest while we give players like Etebo,Ndidi and Iwobi chance to play.

my humble opinion.

Hmmm

See I don't just want to see this right now all I want is just for Nigeria to defeat iceland by a wide margin. That's watsup or matters for now...

He is way past his prime


Mikel has gotten his Slowbie shoes back on.


I have written him off before this mundial


Iwobi that many were shouting is too young is an upgrade on Mikel.

The Mikel that Nigerians were so proud that he can't be dispossessed of the ball early was dispossessed Vs Croatia many times. That's the sign that baba is past his prime. Even his captaincy roles is sketchy. He's done well and should retire like Messi would. They both tried well. 13years no be beans.


Let the younger ones take over.



And no way can the hopes of this team be hinged on his best form again. His best is the average of The Russia team. Iwobi will play 10 and will do so.


And anybody thinking he has half the stuff Modric brings to the table should better go to utopia and dream on. Reality is, his time is up and we should give him his standing ovation. If Enyeama was in this team and Mikel wasn't, I'd shout. hallelujah

Mikel is good and can play any position, the most successful footballer of our time. Go and give us victry i beliv in You.

Opinionated:
Yeah

Cut Mikel Obi some Slack

Mikel Obi failed to be effective against Croatia, same thing happened to Messi, Aguero and Higuain. This is not by accident. Croatia are set-up in a way to neutralize the threat of opponents. Give Mikel some support, he could still shine at this world even as a No.10 — Jose Mourinho take note.

Read More Here

which slack.. U failed to realized that Nigeria in the streak of matches played till this tournament only had a draw with stupid Congo... Nna eehh.. It's a big cause for alarm joor.. No just compare Nigeria with any other team.. We have big problem