Is Mikel a Liability

[goose]

For me in the team it would be Maka ahead of Mikel every time

especially in a big pressure match away from home. Personally

I think, although he'll turn out a great player for us, Mikel is an

accident ready to happen.

So far in the prem this season he has played 67 mins (1 booking),

last season I think his bookings per mins would have been something

similar.

More worrying was the Community Shield (1 booking) were twice

in incidents not involving him he was right in the refs face and actually

pushed his shoulder into him. It's a dangerous game he's playing and

I can see us suffering because of it with unnecessary sendings off.

Hope someone senior in the club is having a word.

[lukasz]

He's hotheaded and you're right that he'll get sent off rather sooner than later. He's young and it's inevitable. I'm afraid he has to learn from his own mistakes just as Essien did.

[g3.7]

he still needs to mature- I do feel that if he is targeted there will be a reaction more often than not, but I wouldn't go so far as saying he's a liability.

he needs to get on top of it, but I'm not too worried. if jose sees mikel is losing it he will take him off. if we had a different manager I might be worried.

[Guest Brian M]

He reminds me of Viera. And as with Viera, being a 'hot-head' is part of his game. Some players just need that 'edge' to perform.

[loz]

For a game like Sunday I would definitely have Maka ahead of Mikel. In fact if looking to the future was not a concern AND the only option for Mikel was to play in the Maka role (fortunately it isn't) then I would select Maka over Mikel on a week in week out basis.

However that is far from a slight on Mikel, we should never lose sight of the fact that Maka has been, and arguably still is, the finest defensive midfielder in world football. Just posted recently about how he never thought he would see the best striker in the world in a blue shirt (in reference to Drogba) and I understand exactly his joy however we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we have had the pleasure of watching the best defensive midfielder in the world for a number of seasons now.

As to the question of whether Mikel is a liability well I suppose to a small extent he is, he is a little temperamental and it is possible he will pick up a few silly yellows and reds however I don't think it is a major problem with him and he is a phenominal talent for a kid of his age and the pros outweight the cons by a country mile.

[Jimboola69]

He's young and stupid.

I get the impresssion that Jose spends half his time chasing Mikel around in training and ensuring he is 'on time' for things.

Basically he needs discipline in every part of his life or he will go the way of Kieran Dyer and Kieran Richardson, think he is a big time charlie by the time he is in his early twenties and bugger his career up so much that only the likes of the spammers will want him.

Reminds me of Jody Morris and Alan Hudson in so many ways. Both of those were twonks of the higest order who pissed it away. Hopefully Jose can batter some sense into Mikel, and then he can be the star he should be.

Personally I would pal him up with Essien, who seems to have a cracking attitude.

[BlueBosnian]

Even though many here love him I have to say that he would never make my first team, unless we're playing bottom teams.

He cannot play for a team that plans to beat Barcelona, Man U, ect.

Not yet at least, and not that possition which is more important than many think.

[loz]

He cannot play for a team that plans to beat Barcelona, Man U, ect.

hmmm

http://www.theshedend.com/fa-cup-2007.html

[The Brit]

yeah I thought he was a right liability in the cup final when he bossed midfield...also did a horrendous job when he came on as a sub against Reading on wed and helped change the game...yes he needs to have a bit more discipline at times, but on football ability he is one of our best players already

[dkw]

ive said it before and ill say it again, the midfield partnership of mikel and essien is chelseas future. and it will be an awesome mdfield pair. both are immensely athletic and powerful. and also very skilful. its a pairing that will take some beating.

[The Moos]

In terms of skill Mikel is top notch. Not world class yet, but he's getting there. Worth every penny.

In terms of mentality he's still got alot ot learn. He's hot-headed and can sometimes do stupid things to get unnecessary cards. If he's tackled and doesn't get a freekick he can go after an opponent and hit back which will get him a card, red or yellow.

I think his mentality is getting better though. Last season he had problems with it both on and off the pitch but it seems as if Jos? has worked hard on him to become more professional. He doesn't seem to have problems off the pitch anymore and he seems to be getting better on the pitch too.

Let's not forget that he's still very young and I doubt there's any young players who have the mentality of an experienced player. So it's only natural really.

In a few years he'll be world class, both in terms of skill and in mentality. Him and Essien. Oh, I can't wait

[BlueBosnian]

I can't believe we're talking about the FA Cup final on which we all agreed that it was the most boring match in our history. That being said, we were talking about a midfielder, who's job it is to create the plays. That's all I have to say.

ive said it before and ill say it again, the midfield partnership of mikel and essien is chelseas future. and it will be an awesome mdfield pair. both are immensely athletic and powerful.

Yet neither one has any creativity what so ever.

[loz]

I can't believe we're talking about the FA Cup final on which we all agreed that it was the most boring match in our history.

.

We did? Where? It wasn't the greatest footballing spectacle in the history of the game but the idea that it was the most boring match in or history is utterly preposterous.

Yet neither one has any creativity what so ever

Granted neither are a Zidane or a Best, Wilkins or David Batty however the idea that they have no creativity is almost as preposterous as the 'most boring match one'

The most impressive thing about Mikel for is that he plays the game very very simply, he breaks things down, he moves into space and he plays quick short passes that keep the tempo of the game going. That alone is actually very creative as it kick starts moves and helps prevent the game becoming stagnated. Mikel playing in the same midfield as Essien is no differrent from Essien playing in the same midfield as Maka and that is good enough for me.

[Lofty]

I can't believe we're talking about the FA Cup final on which we all agreed that it was the most boring match in our history. That being said, we were talking about a midfielder, who's job it is to create the plays. That's all I have to say.

ive said it before and ill say it again, the midfield partnership of mikel and essien is chelseas future. and it will be an awesome mdfield pair. both are immensely athletic and powerful.

Yet neither one has any creativity what so ever.

I think you've been listening to too many red eyed commentators there. Fact is, most Cup Finals are boring for neutrals. Prime example was Mark Lawrenson, who continued his little rant into the Charity Shield. Did anyone else hear his contemptuous little "ha" following a comment about our lack of attacking intent? That enough was enough to provoke a desire to jump up and down on his skull from my normally ever so peaceful self.

Back to the topic. Is Mikel a liability? Quick answer: No of course not. Yes he's young and he's got a lot to learn, but comparing Mikel to say, Glen Johnson who's been known to go off on one at the drop of a shoulder, might help get things into their proper perspective.

[RedRobMol]

to give an outsiders view, i hope he doesnt learn and continues to be the stroppy, immature, spoilt little kid he seems to be, because when he does mature he is going to be awesome. He is a cracking player and i can only hope he cracks and lets himself down.

[superdan]

Not really fair to compare Mikkel and Maka - there isn't really anyone in the world who compares to Maka.

I don't think Mikkel is an accident waiting to happen - he has turned into an awesome and very reliable player.

He does get booked for his petulance too often but he's hardly a Vinny Jones, Robbie Savage or similar - some players need that aggressive edge but with Mikkel I don't think it's aggression, just immaturity, he's been in trouble before from it and will be again but he'll learn eventually and he's not the only player who gets regular bookings for silly things!

[callista]

Mikel a liability! Wow if he's a liability can we have some more of players like him please?

Aside from his temperament which yes still needs some work, it is obvious that he is going to turn into a fabulous player.

He changed the Reading game when he came on and has shown he can make it happen in big games, he is amazingly composed for his age, especially when you think he is being asked to act as "engine driver" for the entire team at times.

A very difficult and responsible job and one he is starting to do with confidence.

He needs time to develop of course but I've no doubt that Jose appreciates his worth and will continue to try and develop his talent.

[Elliott]

His ball out to SWP for the equaliser yesterday, was beautiful.

[Jack]

Mikel started last season looking like a trabant and ended it like a rolls royce - I think we have to allow for the fact that it's his first full season, pre-season training may have come as a bit of a shock to the system and he is only young.

The other factor he has against him is that teams now know him - last season he was a complete mystery to most players. This time around he's already being closed-down a lot quicker than last and they know he's a bit of a hot-head so they are trying to intimidate him. I thought he kept his cool yesterday at Anfield and will come on for the experience this season.

[g3.7]

well, apart from the kick aimed at gerrard.

[Pauly]

Mikel started last season looking like a trabant and ended it like a rolls royce - I think we have to allow for the fact that it's his first full season, pre-season training may have come as a bit of a shock to the system and he is only young.

The other factor he has against him is that teams now know him - last season he was a complete mystery to most players. This time around he's already being closed-down a lot quicker than last and they know he's a bit of a hot-head so they are trying to intimidate him. I thought he kept his cool yesterday at Anfield and will come on for the experience this season.

haha trabant.... you mean he can play on apple juice and and is cost effective?

[Jack]

Mikel started last season looking like a trabant and ended it like a rolls royce - I think we have to allow for the fact that it's his first full season, pre-season training may have come as a bit of a shock to the system and he is only young.

The other factor he has against him is that teams now know him - last season he was a complete mystery to most players. This time around he's already being closed-down a lot quicker than last and they know he's a bit of a hot-head so they are trying to intimidate him. I thought he kept his cool yesterday at Anfield and will come on for the experience this season.

haha trabant.... you mean he can play on apple juice and and is cost effective?

Ha - no more like he had smoke coming out the back and every now and then bits would fall off!

[The Moos]

Mikel started last season looking like a trabant and ended it like a rolls royce - I think we have to allow for the fact that it's his first full season, pre-season training may have come as a bit of a shock to the system and he is only young.

The other factor he has against him is that teams now know him - last season he was a complete mystery to most players. This time around he's already being closed-down a lot quicker than last and they know he's a bit of a hot-head so they are trying to intimidate him. I thought he kept his cool yesterday at Anfield and will come on for the experience this season.

haha trabant.... you mean he can play on apple juice and and is cost effective?

Ha - no more like he had smoke coming out the back and every now and then bits would fall off!

Like a leper with indigestion problems.

[Makelele]

well, apart from the kick aimed at gerrard.

that was just human nature

[Mooch]

Does nobody else think that Obi 1 Kanobe is possibly our laziest player?! He just always looks so lethargic and the only time he ever appears excited is when he's having a scrap with an opposition player!! But then he comes out with the occasion brilliance and everyone says what a player we've got!!! Give me Essien any day of the week!! Or Diarra! Or Maka for that matter!

Mooch