ROBERTO DI MATTEO insists Chelsea’s good start to the season would not have been possible without John Obi Mikel.
Di Matteo has introduced a more exciting brand of attacking football this term but the Italian relies heavily on Mikel to protect the defence in a holding midfield role.
And while the likes of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard have grabbed the headlines, the Blues boss admits the European champions would not be top of the Premier League without the Nigerian enforcer.
Di Matteo said: “It’s a thankless task really — and I understand because I played in that role myself a little bit.
“It’s a role that is important for the team and his team-mates and the management team understand and appreciate it.
“Maybe the fans are more focused on the more creative players and goalscorers, but that role is vital in our team.”
SUPPORT ... Roberto Di Matteo is full of praise for Mikel
Mikel was widely criticised in September for the mistake which led to Chelsea throwing away three points against Juventus.
The 25-year-old gifted possession 10 minutes from time and the Blues failed to prevent Claudio Marchisio playing Fabio Quagliarella into space for the equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel deleted his Twitter account as a result of the abuse he received online following the game, while the club informed the police about the content of some of the tweets.
And Di Matteo claims the Nigeria international deserves more credit than he currently receives.
He added: “Over the years he has been almost ever-present. He was very important over the back end of last season and this season he started in good form.
“We all make mistakes in games and I don’t think he gets the credit for the work he does for the team.”
