Mikel: "Carlo's taken my game to another level".

After Michael Essien has spoken of Carlo Ancelotti and heaped praise on the Italian, John Obi Mikel has also done the same.

Mikel has spoken of how Carlo has asked for Mikel to adapt his game and his role in the side (and confirms my thought's in the article I wrote this week about Mikel on CFCNET - see for yourselves here).

Mikel said:

“Carlo is a great guy and I don't think you will ever come across a more laid-back and calm manager. He is a friendly guy and likes to help the players. He is a great manager and I want to work with him for many more years to come.

I don't think there was a big change to be made to my game. I just think as a young player you always know that there are bits and pieces to be added to your game. Carlo talked to me about playing more balls up the field but it is something that has to be done when the opportunity is there.

My role is to try keep stability in the team and help the defence and midfield as much as I can. I try to supply the balls to the strikers as well. I hold the responsibility of things going wrong sometimes. I'm 23 years old and being in this position is a big thing but I need to deal with it and I am enjoying my time here.

When I was growing up I was an attacking midfielder and used to score goals but with this team we can't afford to have everyone running forward. Everyone wants to score goals here. Ashley Cole loves to go forward and sometimes plays like a striker. Then we have Branislav Ivanovic or Paulo Ferreira going from right-back, too, so we need someone to keep the balance in the team and that's where I come in. I need to keep the discipline of the team going.”

I think you have to agree, Mikel has been different class this season for Chelsea and his role in the side has become much more important in this last calendar year.

Just think at 23 years old playing in the position he is, he still has about 10 years left in him. He will only get better and better and that can only be good for Chelsea.

KTBFFH