Having been subject to one of the bitterest and most controversial transfer tussles of all time, Mikel has yet to look worth the trouble
Mikel arrived in England in a blaze of publicity and controversy. A star at both the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Youth Championship and the 2005 Youth World Cup, between tournaments the Nigerian got himself in a rare old mess.
He was turning out for Norwegian club Lyn Oslo when Manchester United came calling, purporting to sign the youngster on a four-year deal. But shortly after, Chelsea also claimed to have signed the player. Following a long rumbling battle, complete with legal threats and FIFA rulings, Chelsea agreed to pay United £12m and Lyn £4m to seal Mikel’s services in June 2006.
Adapting well to the Premiership with his ability to break-up opposition play with well-timed tackles and interceptions, the 6ft 3in destroyer racked up over 50 appearances in his first two seasons with the club.
He has, however, picked up four red cards: one in a crucial loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.