‘Class never leaves’, Stoke fans gush over Mikel Obi

However, Mikel’s summer arrival as a free agent and their 1-0 win over Newcastle United in a friendly last weekend has given their fans some confidence for the 2020/21 campaign

‘He’s a player that plays in a crucial role,’ said one Potters fan on the paper’s Facebook page.

‘We have needed a ball winner that can pass a ball for a number of seasons. Class never leaves just a player’s pace, Mikel has never relied on pace so his age won’t be a problem.

‘Keeping fit could be a factor, if we manage to do that.’

Added another fan: ‘He’s been there and done it in the game and appears to want to be at the club as he turned down other offers.

‘As long as he can stay fit his class as a player and by all accounts also as a person can only be a good thing!’

Said one more: ‘He is a winner a true professional he will do the job most players don’t like sit in front of the back four and cover everyone like Glen Whelan did.