Player Focus: Mikel Providing Necessary Balance to Chelsea Under Hiddink

“You can play with all creative players – Matic, Fabregas, Oscar, Willian coming inside – but sometimes you have to choose a different way,” interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink said last month. The choice of players was somewhat surprising to some. Granted, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar and Willian are considered three of the club’s four primary offensive threats, the other being Eden Hazard, but the inclusion of Nemanja Matic suggested the Dutchman doesn’t consider the Serbian one of his defensive players. 

Considered by many to be the finest holding midfielder in football last season, Hiddink’s quotes on Matic hint that he would rather start one of him or Cesc Fabregas, not both as Jose Mourinho often did last season. While the 27-year-old is indeed capable of fulfilling the role, his lack of defensive discipline this season has often cost Chelsea. The Blues find themselves just six points above the relegation zone, though their form has improved since Mourinho's departure, with the Premier League champions unbeaten in their last four league games. 

The upturn in performances have coincided with John Obi Mikel’s increased playing time. The Nigerian, dubbed the ‘Human Full Time Whistle’ due to his ability to come into the action and shut the game down, was largely utilised as a substitute in Mourinho’s two full seasons in his second spell at Stamford Bridge. However, the second coming of Hiddink presents Mikel with the chance to re-establish himself as a first team regular for the Blues. 

“He’s the ideal player in my option to bring balance to the team,” Hiddink said in the wake of Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday. “If the team is not willing to defend well or have the right balance then you concede a lot of goals. I thought John Obi can be one of the key figures in getting the balance back.” Encouraging praise indeed for the 28-year-old. 

At Selhurst Park, Mikel was one of his side’s better performers as Chelsea kicked off 2016 in impressive fashion. A WhoScored rating of 7.43 reflected just how well he performed at Palace. His pass success rate (95.1%) was better than any other starter and highlighted his ability to successfully retain possession, a necessary trait for any defensive midfielder. Granted, his duty was made easier by Yohan Cabaye’s absence, but Mikel’s reassuring showing in front of the defence was crucial to Chelsea securing all three points. 

Importantly, though, were the words of Hiddink and the need for balance in this team. While Matic can provide the defensive shield in a deeper midfield role, an inclination to break forward can leave Chelsea light at the back. This has been capitalised upon on numerous occasions this season, notably in defeats at Leicester, Stoke and West Ham. Mikel, however, is one who opts against getting forward, and favours a more reserved approach, which is crucial in a Chelsea side hoping to push up the table following a disappointing start to their title defence. 

While the club have no chance of challenging for their crown this term, the possibility of a top-four finish is still just about in reach. With Mikel in the middle of the park, the prospect of a Champions League return may well increase. It’s clear that the Blues seem a more confident outfit with the Nigeria international in the side. Since the start of the 2014/15 season, Chelsea have a better win ratio with Mikel (63%) than without him (48.4%). Over the same period, the club have conceded fewer goals per game with him (0.96) than without (1.13). 

Hiddink’s return presented Mikel with the chance to return to the first team fold for Chelsea. With Mourinho favouring a Matic-Fabregas pivot in front of the defence, Mikel’s input was limited to say the least. However, with the Dutchman seemingly favouring the Nigerian, chances are the midfielder will play a prominent role for the club in the second half of the season. 

Chelsea look a more solid team with Mikel in the side, with the injection of composure in the middle of the park benefitting a team that requires points in order to haul themselves away from the bottom three.

How important will John Obi Mikel be for Chelsea in the second half of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below