Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel knows what it takes to win. His Premier League and international resume stack up against most. The club’s successes are well known. Additionally, he had a tremendous international career. The midfielder represented Nigeria in a number of competitions. Consequently, former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher’s words drew his anger.
Buildup to Heated Interaction
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A former Liverpool Football Club player-turned-commentator bit off more than he anticipated. Carragher chose to dismiss the Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to discredit Mo Salah’s potential Ballon d’Or case.
His point is that the Egyptians can’t win the award. He says Salah doesn’t have success outside of the Premier League. To further his point, he needs to outright dismiss AFCON. Downplaying the tournament wins the debate in his mind.
Unfortunately, he only proved his naiveté. The African competition involves a tough schedule. Furthermore, competition and attention increase with each iteration. As more people tune in, the product grows in popularity. Also, the matches themselves have some of the best global talent. This is especially true in the latter rounds.
Poor Take Sparks Strong Reaction from John Obi Mikel
Unfortunately, a strong statement will draw a strong personal comparison. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel dissected Carragher’s career:
Never won the Premier League. Analyzes teams and tell them, oh they have to win the Premier League. But you haven’t won it…You don’t know what it takes to win with your national team.
This is ultimately at the heart of the matter. There are obviously different levels across the different continents, but it is foolish to outright dismiss non-European accomplishments.
John Obi Mikel’s words may seem harsh, but the former Chelsea man is correct to point out this lack of experience. Winning at all levels takes something special, and achieving success for your nation deserves praise. There is an enormous amount of pride when wearing your country’s colors.
Standing last at the end of a problematic AFCON tournament should be celebrated.
The former midfielder would go on to add:
It’s so disrespectful what he said. And this is coming from somebody who never won any international competition with England. Well, he has to play to win. And he never did both.
The pundit was attempting to win a war of words. However, he went too far by dismissing the relevance of the Africa Cup of Nations. Either way, his stance is invalid.
Apology Owed by Jamie Carragher
The Liverpool man may genuinely believe this. He may view a lack of ‘acceptable’ outside trophies. He’s wrong here as well. The Ballon d’Or should go to the best player on the planet. Punishing someone worthy of their country of origin is nonsensical.
Salah brings down quality competition every week in the Premier League. Saying the award shouldn’t go to him is silly. Attempting to discredit AFCON is even worse. John Obi Mikel is right to react the way he did.
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