Mikel has made all five of his appearances from the bench this season as Mourinho looks to park that infamous Chelsea bus to make sure all three points are secured.
Mourinho told the Evening Standard that, “People on the bench are also coming on strong, the way they are playing, the way they react. Mikel comes on and gives stability to the team. I think we’re in a good moment.
“When I play Mikel, I don’t need to say something to Nemanja Matic or Fabregas or to the team. They know what is going to happen, what the team are going to do, they know what Fabregas can give us when he then plays as a number ten rather than a number eight. The team is very solid.
Despite Mikel being brought on to sure things up, the Nigerian has only attempted three tackles this season, winning just one. He has however been given a lot of responsibility by Mourinho in a team that is looking like early title favourites.
Mikel is currently in his ninth season with Chelsea since making his controversially move from Norwegian side Lyn in 2006 – a fee which originally saw Mikel sign for Manchester United and Chelsea at the same time.
The transfer was resolved with Chelsea paying in excess of £16million between Man United and Lyn. Since then Mikel has gone on to win the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and four FA Cups.
John Obi Mikel has a passing accuracy of 94% this season.
