Mikel should fight for his place at Chelsea, insists ex-Nigeria defender Sam Sodje

The ex-international praised the midfielder’s patience in waiting for a first-team chance and believes that there will be opportunities for him if he stays with the Blues Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodjehas told John Obi Mikelto stay at Chelsea, insisting the midfielder "will get his time".

The 28-year-old is yet to make a top-flight start for the west Londoners this season and was speculated to be on his way out out Stamford Bridge.

Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas have nailed down the two starting berths in the centre of Jose Mourinho’s team, while tertiary competition is provided by the likes of Ramires, Kurt Zouma and the emerging Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

However, Sodje is confident that Mikel has what it takes to succeed and get more playing time in Jose Mourinho’s team if he decides to stay.
“Mikel has done brilliant,” the former Portsmouth player toldGoal. “It is not an easy feat playing for a big team like Chelsea for several seasons, so I want [Nigerians] to be careful about what we wish for him.

“The English Premier League is a very tough league and hopefully I believe he can do well with the Blues in future.

“Personally, I want him to stay at Chelsea because he would definitely get his chance to play.”

On his absence from the Super Eagles, Sodje insists the two-time African Young Player of the Year is still relevant to the senior national team which must be made attractive with or without him.

“Mikel is a top player and Sunday Oliseh himself knows this,” he continued.

“No matter who plays, the Super Eagles should be made a very attractive team to play for, Mikel or no Mikel,” Sodje concluded.