John Obi Mikel has revealed that Chelsea allowed one of the quickest midfielders he’s ever seen — N’Golo Kanté — to leave the club for free, hailing the Frenchman as a “machine” and one of the greatest professionals he ever played alongside.
The former Blues midfielder, who spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, made the admission during an appearance on Bleacher Report Football, where he was asked to build his “ultimate midfielder.”
Mikel, who won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his 11-year stay in West London, selected a number of Premier League greats — including Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Yaya Touré — but reserved special praise for Kanté when discussing speed and stamina.
“Yaya was quick, but when it comes to speed and energy, it has to be N’Golo Kanté,” Mikel said. “He’s one of the fastest players I’ve ever seen in midfield — tireless, always everywhere on the pitch.”
The tireless engine of Chelsea’s midfield
Kanté joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2016, shortly after winning the Premier League with the Foxes. His arrival transformed Antonio Conte’s side, with the Frenchman helping the Blues to another league title in his first season, followed by Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup triumphs.
Mikel’s praise adds to the long list of tributes to Kanté’s unrelenting work rate, humility and football intelligence. The midfielder was known for covering enormous ground, often seeming to do the job of two players at once.
“Joining Chelsea was the perfect arrangement for me to achieve my dreams. The first day I joined, I was told the objective is always to win trophies — and I’ve managed to do that.” — N’Golo Kanté
During his Chelsea spell, Kanté made 269 appearances, scored 13 goals, and collected every major club honour available — while also being named PFA Player of the Year in 2017 and helping France lift the 2018 World Cup.
Mikel’s ultimate midfielder picks
When building his perfect midfielder, Mikel’s choices reflected a deep respect for the Premier League’s golden era:
- Passing: Paul Scholes
- Shooting: Frank Lampard
- Tackling: Steven Gerrard
- Strength: Yaya Touré
- Dribbling: David Silva
- Speed/Stamina: N’Golo Kanté
It’s no surprise the Nigerian international chose Kanté — the Frenchman’s relentless energy and quickness became defining traits of Chelsea’s dominance during the late 2010s.
Kanté’s Saudi spell and possible European return
Now 34, Kanté currently plays for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Chelsea in 2023 on a free transfer. He has made 86 appearances, scoring nine goals, and is reportedly earning around £88 million per year under his current deal.
However, recent reports have linked the midfielder with a potential return to Europe, with several Ligue 1 and Serie A clubs monitoring his situation.
| N’Golo Kanté at Chelsea (2016–2023) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 269 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 15 |
| Major Trophies | 4 |
source: Transfermarkt – 20 October 2025
Our View: Mikel’s admiration says it all
In our view, Mikel’s comments are a reminder of how special Kanté’s Chelsea tenure really was. For a player so universally respected by teammates, rivals and fans alike, his free departure in 2023 still feels like a quiet mistake — the loss of a legend whose value went far beyond transfer fees.
Few midfielders in modern football have matched Kanté’s blend of speed, intelligence, and humility. It’s little wonder Mikel, himself one of Chelsea’s most disciplined midfielders, ranks him among the best.
We think Mikel’s praise underscores what Chelsea lost when Kanté left — not just a great player, but a mentality that defined the club’s best years.
Key Insights
- John Obi Mikel names N’Golo Kanté among the fastest players he’s ever seen
- Mikel calls Kanté “a machine” and picks him for speed in his ultimate midfielder
- Kanté won four major trophies with Chelsea, plus the 2018 World Cup with France
- Left Stamford Bridge for free in 2023, now starring for Al Ittihad
- Could be set for a surprise return to Europe next year
What’s Next
Kanté remains a key figure for Al Ittihad but continues to attract interest from European clubs. A late-career return could yet happen — and if it does, it would be another chapter in a career defined by relentless running, quiet excellence, and the respect of legends like Mikel.
👉 Do you think Chelsea were wrong to let N’Golo Kanté leave for free?
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