Former Super Eagles forward, Christian Nwokocha, has urged Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, to work harder and impress interim coach, Guus Hiddink, for a starting place in the team.
Mikel has appeared 10 times for Chelsea in all competitions this season under former coach Jose Mourinho. He has played only six times in the Premier League, starting only two of the six matches under the Portuguese.
Hiddink replaced Mourinho after his was sacked last week. Former Sporting Lisbon forward Nwokocha believes Mikel can re-launch himself into the first team under the Dutchman.
“Mikel is a good player and is the biggest Nigerian player abroad at present,” Nwokocha told our correspondent online.
“His inadequate playing time in the club is what affects him when he is on national duty. Anytime he plays for Nigeria, he switches on and off because you can sometimes see that match rustiness in him.
“Under Mourinho he is preferred when the team is winning and there is a need to consolidate and defend. Hiddink is another coach and has a different style of play from that of Mourinho.
“Mikel played under Hiddink in 2009. So he can do it again and get himself into the first team. All he needs to do is work harder and impress the coach in training.
“He is a versatile player and that shows in the different roles he plays for both club. Mikel needs more playing time to secure his Eagles’ place and this is a good chance for him to get it.
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