Samuel Eto’o made his debut for the Blues on Saturday as they traveled to Goodison Park to face Everton. He was brought to Chelsea by manager Jose Mourinho who has previously enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with him during their time at Inter Milan.

The Portugese boss got him to Stamford Bridge from Russian side Anzhi Makachkala and such was his trust in the 32-year old, that he straight away put him into the starting 11 on his debut.

It was not meant to be a dream start for him though, as he failed to find the back of the net despite creating a host of chances for his team. The Blues ended up losing 1-0 which was Mourinho’s first loss in his second stint at the club. As a result, he made his unhappiness known while speaking after the game where he singled out his strikers’ including Eto’o’s wastefulness in front of goal.

Defensive midfielder Mikel has however jumped in Eto’o’s defense as he believes that the front man just needs some time to find his feet in English football, and he is backing him to shine at the club this season. ESPNFC report Mikel as saying, “Samuel is a great player, a fantastic player. You could see the way he played, he created some fantastic chances.”

“Chelsea was my first real professional club and it took me six months to a year to adapt, but I think someone like Eto’o, who is well experienced and has played in so many leagues, won’t take very long. I think he looked a bit sharp, so it won’t take him long to get back into his fitness.”

“He is a world-class player, a fantastic guy. We have to keep working with him, keep playing with him and trying to help him to fit in.”

With Mikel vesting his utmost confidence in Eto’o, do you think that he can shake off his slow start to life at Chelsea and open his account in the Blues next game against Basel in the 1st game of the Champions League Group phase on Wednesday night?