Nigeria Legend John Obi Mikel Finally Reveals Toughest Opponent He Faced in the Premier League

• Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has named Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard as the toughest opponent in his career
• Mikel faced off severally with the Aston Villa manager during his playing career in the Premier League when the Nigerian played for Chelsea
• The former Super Eagles captain made the confession while speaking in Lagos during a radio interview

Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel has revealed Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard as the most difficult opponent he faced in his football career.

Mikel and Gerrard squared off severally in the English Premier League when the Nigerian represented Chelsea during his playing career in England.

The 35-year-old Nigerian midfielder admitted Steven Gerrard was one of the quickest and fastest players he has ever seen on the ball which made him a tough opponent to mark Daily Post reports.

“The most difficult player I faced during my Chelsea career is Steven Gerrard.

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“He is too quick and strong. I have never seen a white player who is so strong, quick, and fast. He is good on the ball.”

Mikel made a total of 372 appearances in all competitions during his ten-and-a-half-year Chelsea career winning the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup trophies.

Mikel reveals why Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder

Meanwhile, John Mikel Obi has also revealed he had no issues with Jose Mourinho converting him into a defensive midfielder when he played under the coach at Chelsea Pulse Sports reports.

The former Super Eagles captain had started his career as an attacking midfielder but had to change his playing position when he arrived at Chelsea so as to get more playing time.

Mikel explained disclosed he had a chat with Mourinho who explained the quality in the Chelsea attacking midfield would have been too difficult for the Nigerian to break into.

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Mikel John Obi finally reveals why he snubbed Man United for Chelsea

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Mikel John Obi has revealed that he snubbed Manchester United for Chelsea in 2006 because of former coach Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich.

16 years ago, these two Premier League giants were in a battle for the signature of Mikel John Obi who eventually made the move to Stamford Bridge.

At that time, the Nigerian midfielder was at Old Trafford and had even been unveiled by Manchester United before he snubbed the deal and joined Chelsea.