Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel put in an impressive defensive performance as Tianjin Teda were held to a 1-1 draw by Hebei CFFC in their Chinese Super League opener on Saturday, March 3.

The Super Eagles captain was involved in the build up to the opening goal scored by Hui Jiakang when he stole the ball in midfield and put a pass through to Johnathan.

Mikel made a game-high four tackles, along with teammate Yang Fan and Hebei CFFC number 21 Jiang Zhipeng.

In other key defensive categories, the versatile midfielder made one interception and two clearances.

He did not have a good passing accuracy though, with a success rate of 61.4 percent, and did not win or concede any fouls over the course of the ninety minutes he spent on the Tianjin Tuanbo Soccer Stadium turf.

Tianjin Teda saw their lead evaporate with four minutes left on the clock when Zhang Chengdong equalized.

They will return to action next Sunday when they take on Henan Jianye at the Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium (Zhengzhou).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel