QPR coach dreams to have more top play like this African star

Queens Park Rangers manager Steve McClaren has heaped praise on Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel following his display in Middlesbrough’s 2-0 triumph over his side. The Super Eagles skipper continued his fine showings for Boro with a stellar performance in Saturday’s win over QPR. Mikel put up a commanding performance on his fifth Championship appearance as goals from Jonathan Howson and Ashley Fletcher sealed victory for the hosts at the Riverside Stadium.

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The 31-year-old has been a key player for Middlesbrough since his arrival and has won the hearts of the club faithful who composed a song for him. McClaren, an ex-Boro gaffer, has also hailed the signing of the Nigeria international who returned to England as a free agent in January and highlighted his impact in Tony Pulis’ side who are presently fifth in the Championship table.

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“I think Mikel has been an excellent signing,” McClaren told Teesside Live. “You always have that one player who gives you stability, control, never gives the ball away. They’ve got one of the best, a Champions League winner. He dominates in there, he takes care of the ball. Every team needs a Mikel. He’s certainly the kind of enforcer in there, defensively and he keeps the ball ticking. I’ve been impressed with him. He’s given another edge to Middlesbrough.”

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John Obi Mikel was named in the English Championship Team of the Week for the previous week and Fans already have his name penned down  for this week’s team. The Nigeria international who made his sixth appearance for Tony Pulis’ men since joining the side in January delivered an outstanding display to help them clinch to a victory over QPR on Sunday.

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Middlesbrough have lost just a game the former Chelsea midfielder has featured in, winning three and settling for a draw in his five league outings. John Obi Mikel has stated his frustration at Middlesbrough’s inability to secure victory over Leeds United, despite playing ‘really well the whole game’. Mikel said the draw with Leeds was unacceptable and hard to take. Boro fans, highly impressed with Mikel’s showing, have since composed a special chant for the former Champions League winner.

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The Riverside Stadium outfit will continue their push for an automatic promotion spot with a visit to Wigan Athletic on March 2

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