The Nigeria international has not always been among the first names on the team sheet during his time in England, but has been an ever-present in the 2012/13 Premier League campaign.
Now 25 years of age, Mikel has been rewarded for his growing maturity with an important holding midfield role - a position in which hard work often goes unnoticed.
"Over the years he has been almost ever-present, and he has been very important over the back end of last season and this season he started in good form," Di Matteo told Chelsea's official website.
“We all make mistakes in games and I don't think he gets the credit for the work he does for the team.
"It's a thankless task really, and I understand because I played in that role myself a little bit, and it's a role that is important for the team.
"His team-mates and the management team understand and appreciate it, but maybe the fans are more focused on the more creative players and goalscorers, but that role is vital in our team.
"He and the player alongside him have to have a good understanding and communication, so that we always have one of the two behind the ball who is able to provide an outlet for us, to switch play, and also be the first player thinking about if we lose the ball, to be able to give organisation in front of the defence."
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