The rise and fall of Michael Essien

Michael Essien of Chelsea in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge on May 13. You can see how strapped up his knee’s are, a worrying sign.

Just a few years ago, I sat in a restaurant conversing with a Ghanaian exchange student, who happened to be a Chelsea supporter, about what a world class midfielder Michael Essien was. In fact, I believe we both agreed that at the time that he was probably one of the best all round midfielders in the world. He was Ghanain and a Chelsea fan, so we were both pretty biased but I know for a fact there weren’t many football fans who would’ve disagreed with us back then.

Fast-forward three years and after a series of serious injuries, Michael Essien is a forgotten man. Now this may be a little harsh on our powerhouse midfielder, it maybe pre-judgmental to say he has already ‘fallen’ and I really hope that the statement becomes true. But most Chelsea fans right now are questioning whether he will even stay at the club this season, let alone get back to the high standards he once showed.

Essien is solid, pure muscle and can pretty much do anything that you’d need a midfielder to do. He played exceptionally well in the holding role, reading the game, getting tackles in and generally breaking up play. He was equally as good in a more advanced role, using his rocket right foot to blast in goals from all angles. His work rate, energy, determination and pace, all made him to be the most admired midfielder in the world.

In 2006, Essien was awarded the African Footballer of the year and in 2007 smitten Chelsea fans awarded him with Player of the Year. He was also nominated for various other awards such as FIFA World Player of the Year. He is known for his versatility often filling in at right back and in central defence for the Blues.

So after these injuries plaguing his career, he is now at the ripe age of twenty-nine, not old at all when you look at players like Frank Lampard still doing the business at thirty-four.

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 09: Michael Essien of Ghana in action during the international friendly match between Ghana and Japan at Stadion Galgenwaard on September 9, 2009 in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Essien’s loss of form currently has seen him warming the bench for Chelsea and this has to be down to the constant time out of football affecting his speed, stamina, agility and above all, his confidence. Essien is not the player he once was, so where does he go now?

Move on, resurrect his career elsewhere?

Possibly, it’s certainly an option for him knowing that Chelsea are bringing in fresh talent this summer. He will not get a lot of game time especially after the season Ramires has just had. I believe the French league could be a good option for him and he could hit form again shining for a lesser team who will build around him.

Stay at Chelsea, battle for his place?

Again, it may back fire and he may not get much game time but if he’s determined and focused enough, there is a chance he could return to form. You can never write him off and I’d not be surprised if he returned this season stronger, fitter and better than ever before. It is possible.

Chelsea still haven’t signed a right back, Essien could play there?

He absolutely could play there, and very effectively as we have seen before. He has the game knowledge, the intelligence and the tackling ability to be a very good right back. But again, this would depend on whether he can re-discover his form.

He could go on loan for a season, get some game time, that might help get his form back?

Can’t see that happening but yes, it might IF he stays injury free and regains his confidence. After all, you don’t lose your ability over night. And if Essien does go on loan to somewhere like Stoke City for example, it could help him get back to his best. The downside of this is that Essien will be nearing thirty-one years of age upon his return to Chelsea.

These are some feasible options and I for one hope our most expensive player at one time finds success, Essien is and always will be a hero at Stamford Bridge, it would be sad to see him waste away in the reserves.