Chelsea's Team of 120: Obi Mikel, Newton shortlisted; Babayaro, Victor Moses miss out

In celebration of a 120-year anniversary, Premier League giants Chelsea have asked supporters o vote for their favourite men's team goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards from the Blues' roster of historical talent.

Shortlists have been created for each position in The Team of 120, comprising ten goalkeepers, 40 defenders, 40 midfielders, and 30 forwards.

Former Nigeria captain Obi Mikel is in the running for a midfield position, going up against Eddie Newton — also of Nigerian descent — and 28 additional contenders.

The other nominees in midfield include John Tait Robertson, Nils Middelboe, Andy Wilson, Ken Armstrong, Terry Venables, John Hollins, John Boyle, Alan Hudson, Ray Wilkins, Mike Fillery, John Bumstead, Nigel Spackman, Denny Wise and Ruud Gullit.

Completing the shortlist are Dan Petrescu, Roberto Di Matteo, Gustavo Poyet, Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Nemanja Matic, Ramires, Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas, N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mason Mount

During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, Mikel won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, and both the Champions League and Europa League before leaving in 2017.

He appeared in 372 games across all competitions, registering six goals while producing twelve assists. 

Meanwhile, Atlanta Olympics gold medalist Celestine Babayaro - the first African player signed by Chelsea - has not been included in the shortlist, 

Victor Moses, a Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League winner with the Blues, and fellow 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Kenneth Omeruo have not made the cut.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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