Middlesbrough: Mikel is our 'uncle' and a 'real rock' - Assombalonga

"Uncle" John Mikel Obi of Middlesbrough FC

Since his arrival as a free agent in January,  John Obi Mikel - dubbed ‘Uncle’ by Britt Assombalonga - has made the Boro engine room tick.


The multi-medalled former Chelsea man has impressed as an anchor man with his composure under pressure in his early outings.

And his unflustered ability to carve out time and space in a crowded midfield has helped others flourish.

Mikel declined an invitation to play for Nigeria in the break to focus on recharging his batteries for Boro.

“Uncle - I call him Uncle - is a real rock in midfield,” said admiring striker Assombalonga.

“You can just see the pure quality he brings to the pitch in midfield in every game.

“When you have that quality and experience on the pitch you always have an extra edge and an advantage.

“He lets the other boys in midfield go out and express themselves.”

Certainly, his solidity in the holding role has given Lewis Wing and Mo Besic license to push higher up the field.

“You can give him the ball absolutely anywhere on the pitch and he will manoeuvre and find a space or an angle and find a way to give it to someone else in a better position. He’s awesome."

31-year old Mikel has won almost everything in his club career with Chelsea including the Champion League. Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup and that experience counts too.

“He really has been there and done it all so he has that authority. When he talks, you listen.

“And he is a nice guy to have around. He’s so funny and down to Earth.”