Mikel Obi – Willian & Hazard Are Chelsea’s Most Skillful Players

John Mikel Obi has named Chelsea’s midfield duo of Willian and Eden Hazard as the most skillful players at Stamford Bridge.

Having being employed in front of the back-fours at the west London club for most part of his professional career, the Nigeria international knows what it takes to frustrate a handful of attackers in the middle of the park, but has highlighted the threat posed by the Brazilian and Belgian during normal training ground routines.

Asked to pick his most skillful player at Cobhams, the 26-year-old agreed the list is endless but named Willian for his “quick feet” and Hazard for his talismanic skills.

Eden Hazard Celebrates Scoring Against Newcastle United a Stamford Bridge Last Season. Image: Getty.
Eden Hazard Celebrates Scoring Against Newcastle United a Stamford Bridge Last Season. Image: Getty.

“They’re both very quick and technical,” Mikel is quoted as saying on the club’s official website. “It’s very difficult to get the ball off them.

“Willian is just too quick… He waits for you to make the first move and when you do, he’s gone.

“Hazard doesn’t run around much in training, but you just give him the ball and let him do what he does. What you can do sometimes is just kick them.”

Mikel is an injury doubt for Wednesday’s clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge as manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed he has “a little problem in his knee.”