Will it be enough for him to get Matic out of the side for a few games?

Let's hope, I'd rather have Obi wan Mikel than Matic.

 Mikel became the 21st player to make 350 appearances for ?Chelsea? in our 110-year history 

Edited December 29, 201510 yr by DidierDrogbalala

Good on him. For a player everyone wants to get rid of every summer he has been a great servant. Defended well last night although his passing was poor we certainly look more solid with him in the team. Matic has improved with him there as well.

I disagree with you. He is a successful DM when the DM's task is to act as a sweeper and provide a layer of buffer between our defense and the opposition. As a deep lying creator or a goal scoring DM he is a failure. But given our situation we dont need either right now.

Well we'll have to agree to disagree, a DM should at the very least be able to tackle, which is something Mikel has never had in his locker, I've lost count of how many opposition attacks I've seen where just out of shot you can see Mikel ambling back, so his positioning isn't too hot either. However, if a good DM's job is to break up attacks by giving away freekicks around the edge of the penalty area then fair dos.

A liiiittle bit harsh there, maybe, but I agree with a lot of that. ^

What I do like about Mikel is his strength, ability to keep hold of the ball and his composure, though sometimes that slips into casualness.

Tackling, positioning, pace, closing down, aggression, these are the things that are not the best, imho.

I think he's just too laid back in his style of play and general attitude. Jogging back leisurely. Not really showing great hunger or aggression, which has always bothered me when it comes to him.

Even yesterday, both sides of him were in evidence and I found myself whilst appreciating the good things he brings, unable to regard his performance with the sort of positivity I'd like to.

Decent player, but doesn't get his head up enough, and he loses the ball alot when he is pressed.

Fantastic servant though.

Not sure I would agree with that. He, generally, keeps and releases the ball very well under pressure.

I think he works well with the ball when pressed and can often pass his way out of a narrow situations.

It's when we're enjoying decent possession that he's at his weakest, doesn't take any risks, always keeps it simple and so he doesn't help break sides down.

Not sure I would agree with that. He, generally, keeps and releases the ball very well under pressure.

I just think in the 2 games he started against Liverpool and united, who both are very good at pressing high up the pitch, mikel gets caught on the ball too often, or by the time he gets his head up, he ends up going straight back to where it came from. Goal kicks yesterday were a nightmare for us because of this. He wasn't the only guilty one, but how often did it go courtois-zouma-mikel-Courtois long ball?

i think loftus cheek and mikel would work well together. both similarly good at keeping the ball, but ruben likes to get forward a little more. i would like to see those two in the double pivot tbh with mikel maybe sitting a little deeper to defend.

It's a shame that this thread mostly consists of arguments about whether he is sh*t or not and a lot of talk about how bad he is, even after he puts in solid performances.

In our last game (manu) his pass accuracy was 79% - only Pedro and Terry had better percentages (80% and 92%)

However, Mikel has made more successful passes than any other player.

He was not the worst with the passing mistakes - Hazard made more.

 

Also about getting forward and playing risky - this depends on a manager; Mikel only does what manager says, he is rarely the guy who will take the game into his own feet - he does whatever was told and [possibly] believes it is the best for the club. In the game with Sunderland, you could see that Mikel told to Matic that Serbian should stay behind and act as the DM,  while Mikel would act in a more attacking way.

Outstanding today, gave palace nothing today and I can't remember him losing the ball at all.

He was exceptional today. Game suited him to a tee. Well played to Guus for starting he and Fabregas over Matic. Both were superb.

Fantastic reaction from the fans as well.

Very very good performance, when he plays this well he allows everyone in front of him to play well also and we spend a lot more time on the front foot. Gonna be difficult for Matic to get back in the team

Great performance. Puts into perspective how bad Matic has been really.

MOTM

One of his better games. Calm and composed, good passing. Thankfully, this midfield which on paper lacks energy, did the business.

African Zidane

Was fantastic today.

Its better seeing him move the ball forward. He played very well.

Never ever understood the hate on Mikel... Always been underrated. Happy to see him get an extended run of play.

www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/crystal-palace/he_can_be_key_chelsea_midfielder_backed_by_hiddink_to_become_unlikely_hero_1_4365594

Seems he will be a key figure.

Talking about leaders: step up John Obi!

Munich legend!