Why sell Ramires when John Obi Mikel is festering in the shadows? The Nigerian defensive midfielder came to Stamford Bridge with huge expectation surrounding him, and with Manchester United battling fiercely for his signature and after a lengthy fight, the Northerners succumbed to watching their wonderkid move to London. His career started well, as he was charged with shadowing the epic Claude Makelele in defensive midfield and when called upon, he looked good - if somewhat temperamental. Makelele left and Mikel took the defensive midfield position as his own, but then some sketchy performances and a tendency to tackle with studs up meant that he missed games either through suspension or being dropped and slowly, he disappeared into the shadows, not to be seen again. To sell Ramires, last season's stand out defensive midfielder, would be utterly ludicrous while Mikel is still lurking around in the background. If a place on the roster has to be freed up, it must come at the expense of the Nigerian, and not the Brazilian.