According to Owngoalnigeria.com, midfielder John Obi Mikel has been handed a new role by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
The Nigeria international is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this season, as he missed the start of the new Premier League campaign due to representing the Super Eagles in Rio’s Olympics this summer, where he helped his nation to claim bronze.
Mikel has been juggling between two different midfielder roles during his career, as for Chelsea he has always been a defensive midfielder, while for Nigeria he has played higher in a more advanced position.
After Conte signed N’Golo Kanté to play deeper in midfield alongside Nemanja Matic, rumours were linking Mikel to an exit, but according to reports the 29-year-old will only be switching roles.
Mikel is the second longest serving player for the club at the moment, and Conte is prepared to play him in the same role as he does for Nigeria, tempting to offer Mikel a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
According to reports, Chelsea held talks with Mikel’s representatives this week, and it’s expected that he will now be seen in a more attacking role and possibly signed a new deal.
