Top 5 Africans in Premier League history 

3. Michael Essien

Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers - Premier League

The greatest African footballers of all time are mostly comprised of attacking midfielders or forwards - Michael Essien is the odd one out in this list. One of the greatest African midfielders of all time, the Ghana international is so big back in the home country that they erected a statue of him. That alone shows the impact that the midfielder has had on the game.

Representing Chelsea football club during their most successful years, Essien was a part of the Blues when they dominated England. He was an integral clog of the Chelsea machine which won two Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, and one Champions League title. He is also a former Chelsea Player of the Year, as well as a former BBC African Player of the Year.

Essien made over 250 appearances in the Premier League, and his performances in the middle of the park are well remembered by fans of England's top division. A physically strong player who was adept at both offence and defence, Essien deserves a place in the top 3 of this list due to his accomplishments with one of the best Premier League teams ever.