Hiddink names the midfielder who is Chelsea's 'ideal player'

Guus Hiddink believes John Obi Mikel is the “ideal player” to bring balance to Chelsea’s midfield.

The Nigerian has featured in all three games for Chelsea since Guus Hiddink took charge, while under Jose Mourinho, he had started only five games in all competitions this season.

And the Dutchman insists the 28-year-old can be one of the “key figures” to aid Chelsea’s revival following the abysmal start to their title defence.

"He played very well but also in the previous game," said the Chelsea manager after Sunday's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

"He's the ideal player in my option to bring balance to the team. If the team is not willing to defend well, or hasn't got the right balance, then you'll concede a lot of goals.

"I think John Obi can be one of the key figures in bringing back that balance.
"On this podium very talented players can explore their qualities.

"He can recover his radar, he reads the game very well, he knows where the strength of the opponent is and knows how to combat that. He has very good sense, he doesn't do it in a brutal way, he's very elegant.

"Someone who can defend so smoothly is very beautiful. I don't expect the decisive final pass from him - he can (do that), but he can also let the other players [play].”

John Obi Mikel showed his worth as Chelsea won 3-0...