Queens Park Rangers of England coach, Steve McClaren is surprisingly raining accolades on an opposing player, as the former England manager admits he was awed by the performance of Middlesbrough midfielder, John Mikel Obi against his team last weekend, sports247.ng reports.
McClaren took another look at the English Championship fixture, which his side lost 2-0 away at The Riverside, and acknowledged that Mikel has added stability, control and dominance to Boro’s squad.
McClaren, who is also a former Middlesbrough handler, added that Mikel was the pure catalyst of that Boro’s win on Saturday, haven brought in panache and class into the Teeside team’s midfield and entire squad.
He added: “I think Mikel has been an excellent signing. Every team needs a Mikel. Boro are the side fortunate enough to have him.
“I’ve been impressed with him. 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.
“He’s given another edge to Middlesbrough. He’s certainly the kind of enforcer in there, defensively and he keeps the ball ticking.”
