Stoke City Football Club Manager, Michael O’Neill, has heaped praises on former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and said his presence at the club has strengthen the club.
The 33-year-old joined Stoke this summer after he left Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor by mutual agreement.
The midfielder has however showcased his talent in every match played for the club since he joined them.
Since he arrived the club, he has helped the club keep five clean sheets and Stoke City currently occupy eighth position on the Championship table.
Mikel penned a one-year deal with Stoke and made it known he wanted to help the Championship club gain promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season.
O’Neill has praised Mikel’s impact at the club. During a press conference, O’Neil said: “Our number of clean sheets has been impressive,” O’Neill said in a press conference.
“I think even going back to the start of this calendar year, I think we rank among the best in the division in terms of clean sheets. It’s important how we defend as a team, not just a back four.
“John Obi Mikel has made us stronger in that area as well, we’re stronger in midfield and we’ve been stronger as a unit in how we defend from the front.”
