John Mikel Obi on Xabi Alonso's transfer policy at Chelsea: 'Leaders need to be on the pitch, like Terry and Drogba'

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has expressed doubts about head coach Xabi Alonso's desire to bring in experienced veterans over the age of 35.

The ex-Blues player noted that the club indeed needs experience, but the focus should be on players in their prime.

Xabi Alonso is trying to add experience to the team, but I’m not sure about players aged 35 or 36. Maybe he sees something we don’t. I also want to see experience in the squad, but at ages 27–29 — that’s when a player is at their peak. The club is trying to change the current model, so we'll see if that works.

Establishing high standards also means you need to be on the pitch. John Terry and Didier Drogba set the bar by performing on the field.