Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has gotten a new role as a central defender at Chinese Side Tianjin Teda, Owngoalnigeria.com can confirm.
Mikel twice played in the role during their pre season games but reverted back to his original role as a midfielder in their first league game of the season against Shandong Luneng, where they suffered a 0-2 loss.
The loss prompted the coach of the team to once again try the former Chelsea man in central defence, and the 29 year old didn’t disappoint as he helped his team keep a clean sheet and their first point of the season.
Tianjin Teda held their host Jiangsu Suning to a 0-0 draw with Mikel playing a pivotal role in central defence for his team. He was neat in tackle, strong in aerial duels and also helped his team play out from the back with ease.
His positional sense was also very brilliant, and after the game the media in China was awash with praises for the captain of the senior national team of Nigeria, in the game which also saw Brown Ideye make his debut for the team.
*Osas Mahawi
