Why Chelsea should cash in on Michael Essien

Michael Essien (R)

Before he picked up a string of serious injuries, Michael Essien was one of the most imposing central midfielders on the European stage. Arriving at Chelsea in 2005, the Ghanaian slipped straight into Jose Mourinho’s first team and was integral to the success that the Portuguese boss found in west London. Essien was the all round midfielder – he held power and the energy to burst through enemy lines while possessing the intelligence to scupper opposition attacks when out of possession, and his authoritative displays from the middle of the park turned him into an icon at Stamford Bridge. Injury stripped him of that, though, and the 31-year-old is seemingly on the verge of leaving the capital in search of first-team football.

After racking up 34 appearances for Real Madrid last season during his season-long loan spell, Essien has returned to London and has started two Premier League games and to make another three off the bench. Competition was always going to strong in midfield, such is the quality that Mourinho currently has at his disposal, but having been relied upon by the coach for a large quantity of games last season Essien, I’m sure, would have fancied his chances of securing his spot in the Chelsea midfield.

Michael Essien Appearances Last Season

As such, Frank Lampard and Ramires have combined to make the base of the midfield with John Obi Mikel also featuring heavily. That’s not to say that Essien hasn’t taken his opportunities when they have been presented to him, though.

His sole 90 minute display this season came last month against Crystal Palace, who themselves lined up with a forceful central midfield partnership in Mile Jedinak and Kagisho Dikacoi before the latter was replaced early on in the game by Stuart O’Keefe – but it was Essien who sparkled.

The domineering performance was akin to Essien of old and had the Chelsea fans questioning whether or not it would force Mourinho to keep him in the side. As well as recording more touches (110) than the three Palace midfielders combined (108), Essien bettered them in almost every aspect of the game.

The vigour that naturally imposes itself into Essien’s approach to the game allowed him to pull the strings and free up those around him. During the fixture he completed the most amount of passes of any player on the pitch (81) and roamed the space between the two boxes like he had never been away.

The confidence increasing inside him was clear for all to see and he channelled that through his willingness to take players on – Essien was successful in five of his seven dribbles. He also had two strikes at goal, both of which were from outside the area, but was happy to spray the ball into the forwards whenever possible.

Michael Essien Take Ons vs Palace

He was defensively solid, too. Essien completed three tackles inside his own half and was on hand to make three clearances, as well as winning two out of three headers and making an interception deep in his own box.

Michael Essien Headed Duels vs Palace

Not only did the display remind spectators what the bustling midfielder is all about, but it sparked debate on whether or not he should be flogged or not. Essien needs first team football at this stage of his career and if it isn’t at Chelsea then fans can’t begrudge him should he pack his stuff and leave. The performance against Palace indicates that he still has plenty to offer, but the fact he can only be judged this season on one whole game tells its own story and a switch away at this point would probably suit all parties.