Essien comeback edging closer

[warnie_666 1,081]

Agree that Essien is getting crocked too often for him to retain a squad place, but to say that Ramires' overall game is better than Essien is ridiculous. It'll take more than a few goals scored from runs into the box, before he supersedes a player who can create, defend and has the tactical prowess to play in different positions on the field.

Essien cannot create. He WAS a good box to box player and thats about it. Yes he can play CDM as well but Ramirez is too good of a box to box and he will be wasted at CDM.

[Blue Armour 4,436]

Essien cannot create. He WAS a good box to box player and thats about it. Yes he can play CDM as well but Ramirez is too good of a box to box and he will be wasted at CDM.

From the top of my head I can recall the two chances he created with long diagonal balls to Luiz and Drogba, in two games we played against Man Utd last season...While he's not what you call a playmaker, he does serve as creative outlet from time to time....

Besides CDM, he has also been used as an RB (under Mourinho) as well as a CB when we're short of players...

[ulsterchelsea 3,221]

Ill be interested to see how he plays when he comes back, he didnt look himself when last he returned. If he could recapture his form of old then its like a brand new signing in January but realistically how long will it take him to regain full match fitness? Sad to say i think his best is long behind him but you never know

[BlueLion. 21,491]

He became average in last season after recovery. I don't expect too much from him.

I think that's the best thing though to be honest, we can't expect anything from him because of these injuries.

I won't be surprised if he retires soon.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I think that's the best thing though to be honest, we can't expect anything from him because of these injuries.

I won't be surprised if he retires soon.

True but very unfortunate. He was, at one point, the best in the world in his position.

[Kez 2,727]

Whether he can be the same player again is down to him to show, but just having back in the team and around the squad will be a massive lift for the rest of the season.