This afternoon, day eight of the World Cup. I look at Nigeria’s midfielder John Obi Mikel.

John Obi Mikel is deployed as a holding midfielder for his club, but for Nigeria he has license to roam a bit further up field.

Nigeria drew their opening game to a spirited Iran side, but they certainly have the tools to negotiate a tough looking group.

John Obi Mikel is very much one of those ‘tools’, in a youthful and vibrant midfield he is the experienced campaigner, winning Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues with Chelsea.

He compliments young Ogenyi Onazi well allowing him to be the midfield enforcer.

For Chelsea this season he didn’t play as many games, but he still managed to appear in 24 games. It is said so often that the World Cup is a chance for players to put themselves in the shop window for potential buyers.

But with Mikel it is a different scenario, although Mourinho doesn’t start him as often he still is an important part of the Chelsea squad in the big matches.