Chelsea young star Ugochukwu says he liked Mikel, coaches likened him to Arsenal legend

Chelsea midfielder of Nigerian descent Lesley Ugochukwu has revealed his admiration for Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi.

The ex-Nigeria international starred for Chelsea as a defensive midfielder spending 11 years at the club and winning every laurel there was to be won except the FIFA Club World Cup and th UEFA Super Cup.

Ugochukwu arrived at Stamford Bridge six years after the departure of Mikel having arrived in the summer from Rennes.

The 19-year-old is also a defensive midfielder just like the Blues' legend and must be hoping he can replicate the success of the former Nigerian midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking in an interview with Chelsea's official website, Ugochukwu revealed his likeness for the retired midfielder and how he was likened to former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Viera while growing up.

"Growing up, watching the Premier League, I liked John Mikel Obi. A midfielder like me," Ugochukwu said.

"Also, some of my coaches liked to tell me I played like Patrick Vieira. So I watched some of his clips and he's a top player." 

The Super Eagles-eligible midfielder is struggling to break into Mauricio Pochettino's starting XI at the moment, with record signing Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández ahead of him in the pecking order.

He has made five Premier League appearances, four of which were as a substitute and just one as a starter.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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