African Player of the Month of December.
In a statement by the organisers New African Soccer, Mikel was voted
and selected ahead of West Ham's Cameroonian Alex Song and Southampton
striker, Senegalese Sadio Mane in a tight vote process.
Awards Director 'Tunde Adelakun said "as always, it was a difficult
choice, but a lot of factors came into consideration before we
selected Mikel".
"Mikel has endured a difficult start to the season, falling down the
pecking order in a star-studded Chelsea team that is riding high in
the Premier League. After all, we all know that no one likes changing
a winning team. However, the spirit of professionalism which he
displayed in waiting for his chance, and taking it well with some
solid performances in a difficult month, tipped the award his way this
month" Adelakun said.
Commending the performances of Alex Song and Sadio Mane, the statement
said "Mane has settled into his role in the Premier League as if he
has always been here. The way he took his goals against Crystal Palace
and the might of Chelsea proves that the Senegalese will be a force in
this League for some time to come. And as for Song, he is just solid
as ever; and if he was not rested in some of the games over the
festive period, he would have made the decision even harder for us".
Adelakun commended the level of the African performance in the English
Premier League this season so far, stating that "the Africans have
been a real credit to the continent, and when we watch them in the
League, it is with pride'.
The presentation of MIkel's award will be done in the coming days.
The statement also added that the New African Soccer Awards has been
merged with the Africans Abroad Recognised (AAR) Charter, which seeks
to recognise the exploits of Africans in Diaspora in all walks of
life.
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