'Wake you up from sleep- Super Eagles legend Obi Mikel picks his ultimate 5-a-side from former teammates

'Wake you up from sleep- Super Eagles legend Obi Mikel picks his ultimate 5-a-side from former teammates

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 18:20 - 18.06.2025

Nigerian legend Obi Mikel reveals his ultimate Chelsea dream five-a-side team featuring Petr Čech, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Deco.

Nigerian football legend John Obi Mikel recently revealed his dream five-a-side team featuring some of Chelsea’s most iconic players. 

In an honest video chat with former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch, Mikel shared his tough but carefully considered picks, highlighting the players who made a lasting impact during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The Backbone: Petr Cech and John Terry

When asked to name his ultimate team from players he’s played with, Mikel didn’t hesitate in a video on Instagram.

“Number one in goal has to be the big man, Petr Čech. What he’s done for the club, yeah. I was lucky to play with him for such a long time. So, for me, Petr gets the nod.”

John Terry
Former Chelsea skipper John Terry. Five-time Premier League winner John Terry (Credit: Imago)

For the defensive anchor, Mikel chose Chelsea’s legendary captain, John Terry.

“I’ll have to get John Terry in my team. Leader, captain. Someone who will always be there to wake you up from sleep.”

These two formed the defensive core that helped Chelsea dominate English and European football for years, making them natural choices for Mikel’s dream lineup.

Midfield and Attack: Lampard, Drogba, and Deco

In midfield, Frank Lampard earned his spot for his consistent goal-scoring prowess:

Frank Lampard and John Terry
Frank Lampard and John Terry. Frank Lampard and John Terry celebrate after Chelsea's 2005 Premier League win was confirmed (Credit: Imago)

“Frank Lampard also gets in for scoring 20-odd goals every year.”

Up front, Mikel picked two of Chelsea’s most electrifying attackers: Didier Drogba and Deco. 

Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba scored a staggering 29 goals in Chelsea's 2009-10 Premier League triumph (Credit: Imago)

Drogba’s power and decisive goals in big matches are legendary, while Deco’s creativity and skill made him a key playmaker during his Chelsea stint.

Mikel’s dream five-a-side team reflects not only his admiration for these Chelsea icons but also the deep bonds forged during his long and successful career at the club. 

His choices celebrate leadership, skill, and impact, qualities that defined Chelsea’s golden era and inspired generations of football fans worldwide.