10 Major Reasons Michael Essien is Ghana's Best Midfielder of All Time
- Michael Essien netted 25 goals in 256 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions
- His dominance on the pitch remains undeniablel, athough injuries prevented him from participating in key tournaments with Ghana
- The Liberty Professionals graduate is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders of all time
In the realm of Ghanaian football, few names inspire as much respect, admiration, and awe as Michael Essien.
Known as "The Bison" for his incredible power and unrelenting energy, Essien was more than just a midfield enforcer—he was a complete footballer. His rare combination of strength, intelligence, and technical finesse made him one of a kind.
Source: Getty Images
From his early days in Lyon, where he captivated fans with his performances, to becoming the heart and soul of José Mourinho's Chelsea, Essien forged a career that not only brought him personal glory but also put Ghana on the global football map.
Here are ten reasons why Michael Essien is regarded as Ghana’s greatest midfielder:
Unmatched dominance
In Lyon, Essien was a force to be reckoned with. According to Wikipedia, he won the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year in the 2004/05 season while powering his team to back-to-back league titles, a rare feat for any midfielder, especially one in his early 20s.
Premier League triumphs
Upon moving to Chelsea, Essien’s trophy collection only grew: two Premier League titles, multiple FA Cups, a League Cup, and a UEFA Champions League in 2011/12. He was at the center of a successful era for the club, contributing immensely in two countries.
Big-Game player
Essien wasn't just about titles; he thrived in pressure-filled moments. Chelsea fans voted him Goal of the Season twice—once for a stunning 30-yard equalizer against Arsenal (2006/07) and again for a memorable left-foot volley against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League semi-final.
Essien's versatility
The ''Bison", who recently shared an iconic throwback with Cristiano Ronaldo, could play across various positions—whether destroying opponents as a defensive midfielder, pushing forward as an attacking midfielder, or filling in as a full-back or center-back. His adaptability made him a manager’s dream.
International recognition
When Chelsea splashed out £24.4m in 2005, Essien became the world’s most expensive African player at the time. He justified that hefty price tag by helping the Blues secure major honors and earn a spot in football history.
His level of success at Chelsea even prompted ex-teammate Mikel Obi to rate him higher ahead of two other Chelsea greats.
Ghana’s World Cup trailblazer
Essien played a key role in Ghana's historic first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006, where the Black Stars made it to the knockout stages. His leadership and presence in the midfield were crucial in the team’s impressive journey.
Enduring legacy
Over his career, Essien earned 59 caps for Ghana, maintaining elite-level performances for over a decade and spanning generations of Black Stars talent. Few can match his sustained excellence at the top.
A Natural leader
Even without the armband, Essien led by example. He captained Ghana in major fixtures like the 6-1 World Cup playoff win against Egypt, inspiring with his grit and determination rather than his speeches.
Resilient comeback
Despite several significant injuries, Essien returned to the field with unwavering resolve, scoring critical goals and reclaiming key roles. His comeback spirit cemented his place among the all-time greats.
Individual accolades
Beyond his club trophies, Essien’s individual accolades include the 2006 BBC African Footballer of the Year award and numerous spots on the CAF Team of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the continent's finest.
Source: Getty Images
Though he didn’t win international trophies with Ghana, his remarkable talent at club level and his exceptional performances make him the finest midfielder in the nation’s history.
Essien's 2005 Ballon d'Or journey
In a throwback to 2005, YEN.com.gh spotlighted Michael Essien's memorable Ballon d'Or nomination, a moment that made Ghana proud.
The former Chelsea star finished 22nd in the final standings, with Barcelona's Ronaldinho claiming the prestigious award and Essien's Chelsea teammate, Frank Lampard, securing second place.
Source: YEN.com.gh
