Jon Obi Mikel Confident Of Gael Kakuta's Chelsea Success

Obi backs French youngster to shine after promising weekend debut…

24-Nov-2009 12:02:31 AM

More On :  Chelsea FC
Gael Kakuta - Chelsea (PA)
Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel is sure that teenage striker Gael Kakuta will be a big hit at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old Frenchman made his debut as a substitute in the weekend win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and after all the recent furore surrounding his 2007 move from RC Lens it would not have been a surprise to see him struggle.
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The striker made an eye-catching cameo, though, and Mikel believes that his young team-mate has all the natural ability and confidence needed to shine in the Premier League.

"He [Kakuta] shows every day in training that he is a fantastic player," the Nigerian told the Blues' official website.

"He still has to learn a lot but you could see from this game what a fantastic player he is. In terms of skill, I think he is the best in the club.

"The sort of things he does in training comes naturally. He doesn't force it and when he has got the ball, he knows what to do.

"The senior players in the club have been supporting him. Everyone has been talking to him, putting arms around his shoulder and trying to make him feel comfortable.

"I spoke to him about it, he knew what happened to me and I told him to stay calm and try to work hard in training.

"My friends and people in the club were speaking to me and giving me assurance that everything was going to be alright, which took a bit of time, but when I started playing I was so relieved and happy and I think it is the same with Gael Kakuta.

"You could see in this game how hungry he is. He wants to show the fans what he has got and hopefully he has more chances to do it.

"There is a lot of pressure but I just had to shut it out and concentrate and see what happened in the end. I think he will come through it because he is such a good player."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

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