Personally I think´s a good player for you guys. But I think that a lot of your fans woudnt agree with that. He does tend to get a lot of bookings. Also he takes a few more touches than needed to realsese the ball. But his positional play and passing. Even his tackling. Even towards the end of last season I thought he did very well for you. Especially against Bayern Munich. I would just be intrested to see what you make of this and him as a player in your starting 11. Plus I dont support Wolves as most would think. But of the mighty Wycombe Wanders look foward between friendly banter. i also remmember the time we played you in the carling cup. seem like a good set of fans.
Just don't think he moves the ball quickly enough & I do have heart attacks when he goes to make tackles in the box.
He gets better and better for me. Will never be a makalele but he controls the game well in front of the back four, doesnt make champagne passes and makes sure we keep the ball by playing simple football. So he wins it and gives it pretty much all the time. For me he is a definate starter and he is good on the ball if needs be, can hold it and run with it. One of our most important in that team, especially with all those attacking options this season, Mikels link up play from the back will by vital this season and he is more than capable of doing that also. We will see him flourish this year.
Nothing for me to add, you have said all that I think especially that I expect him to really flourish this year now we have some much more go forward in our midfield. One of the 1st names on the sheet.
For me he has really come on over the last 2 seasons. He was a bit of a liability for us in his early days, always getting sent off, giving the ball away in key areas etc but now he is a proper midfielder, definite starter IMO and oozes class
He still doesn't convince me 100%, but I'd agree he's improved no end over the last 2 seasons. The point about him taking too many touches is spot on (you could level the same accusation at Lamps sometimes in my opinion - it's why our midfield can look rather one dimensional at times), but then we were spoiled by having the peerless Makelele as DM and Mikel is never going to measure up to those standards. All in all, I'm happy with him and there aren't many better DMs in the Premier League. I'd like to see Romeu come through at some point, although preferably after the buy-back clause in his contract has expired.
agree with all your thoughts about him. wish you guys a good season. hopefully you guys will finish in the top two. as i cant stand the manchester clubs!
