By Ben Efe
Chelsea coach, Carlo Ancelotti said that midfielder, John Obi Mikel has improved tremendously. He added that Mikel was a contributory factor to the 13 goals, the Blues have scored so far this season.

Ancelotti said that last season, the former Nigerian youth international and a regular with the Eagles, struggled to impose himself on the team, but he has been exceptionally different so far.

“Last season, Mikel had an average of 18 per cent forward passes and in the three games this season he had 38 per cent. He’s trying to put more balls directly to strikers,” Ancelotti said.

The Italian said that Chelsea’s aim this season was to play good and attractive football. And he was banking on the likes of Mikel to be in good form.

But during the Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar last Sunday in Abuja, Mikel hopped off the field after he picked a minor injury.

However, he said that he will be fit for Chelsea’s weekend game against West Ham.
“My injury was not a serious one. I had cramps in my thigh and I did not want to risk it any further. That was why I was pulled off,” Mikel said.