Michael Essien

[Reddish-Blue 2,347]

Oh yes, because when he moves like a giraffe trapped in quicksand, can't tackle for shit (unless he barges in two footed and gets lucky not to be sent off), slows down the play every time he gets the ball and does stupid mistakes that lead to things like penalties (Man City is a painful reminder) it makes me want to just smile at him and appreciate the 2 seasons where he actually was fit for all of it and was above par for us, especially when he gets a place back in the team to do all the above again because his "daddy" (one of the most sappy and vomit inducing things imaginable) doesn't want to say no to him.

You do love in the last month or so going through every post I make to try and vilify me about how much of my opinions are not "worthwhile observation", which to m comes across as you not being able to stand that I still post here.

He's not gonna get a place back in our team. He only played in Madrid cause half the players were against Jose and/or injuries to particular players.

Your basically saying that regardless of our other midfielders, just because Essien shares a good relationship with Mourinho, he'll be in our starting team next season. And that makes no sense whatsoever.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

He's not gonna get a place back in our team. He only played in Madrid cause half the players were against Jose and/or injuries to particular players.

Your basically saying that regardless of our other midfielders, just because Essien shares a good relationship with Mourinho, he'll be in our starting team next season. And that makes no sense whatsoever.

Mourinho will want to have all the established players who were managed under him and publicly support him all the time (like Essien and others such as Lampard, Cech ect) in the dressing room so he has some sort of power base that lets him keep control of the dressing room. So expect Essien to play a good amount for us (too much I fear).

[different level 1,056]

So now that his daddy is in charge, the Bison will probably get a role as a squad player for the double pivot or RB if both Azpi and Bane are unavailable for some match. Who knows he could surprise us and there out of the blue we see Bison of old.

[Kinol 337]

Why hasnt anyone bumped this mans thread after his performance???

Anyway, he was the only piviot player who impressed me today. Took charge and delivered the ball well. Ramires was standard Ramires, runs all day and contribiute both offensivly and defensivly but his lack of passing skills and ball control just slows everything down. Van Ginkel made a really good debut but he got to show more in the future and take more control of the midfield.

I feel a little bit dissapointed that Mourinho just said that Rooney will be our only target for the reminder of the window. I was really hoping for De Rossi. A player like him in our squad might be what differs the squad from a title contending squad and a title winning squad.

[mediator 2,026]

Should be a starter for us this season if we don't sign anybody.

---- Essien - Oscar ---

KDB - Mata - Hazard

-------- (Rooney) ------

is golden

[zolayes 14,489]

So now that his daddy is in charge, the Bison will probably get a role as a squad player for the double pivot or RB if both Azpi and Bane are unavailable for some match. Who knows he could surprise us and there out of the blue we see Bison of old.

I would rather see Wallace than Essien at rb

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I would rather see Wallace than Essien at rb

I would rather see Wallace get 30+ games elsewhere so he can properly develop than getting around 5 games at RB as cover.

[zolayes 14,489]

I would rather see Wallace get 30+ games elsewhere so he can properly develop than getting around 5 games at RB as cover.

thats a reasonable point

[Jusek 2,031]

It's only one preseason match, but oh boy it's good to see him back and playing well. Always been a big fan of his.

[kellzfresh 7,229]

If we get anything close to essien of 2006-2007 were in for a bargain, but lets not get carried away, it was against crap opposition.

[ANDRECHO 432]

He was pretty good ,he is in form , skinny and fast .

[Blue Armour 4,280]

He was pretty good during last year's pre-season as well. Hopefully it carries on into the new season and he can keep his fitness throughout.

Its better to have Essien AND Mikel as options, instead of just Mikel.

[The Skipper 20,593]

He had a good game but people are getting caried away a bit.

[DJames 729]

He was fine...particularly liked when he bullied what's his face off the ball. Don't mind him adding numbers to the squad

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

He looked sharper than he has been in a while

[bushman 2,043]

Essien, injured, loaned, too old that´s all I read here. Meanwhile, the guy played just like a young pup yesterday.

Essien will be an adequate player for Chelsea, in my opinion. This tank & his gameness in attacks is much needed in the middle.

So many times, we had seen Chelsea´s boys, especially the samba boys being bounced off the ball, last season. No one will knock Essien off the ball & I like that. Thank God Jose likes him & will play him as needed.

[Hutcho 8,443]

Very good yesterday.

[bushman 2,043]

Perhaps, some might disagree with me, but I am inclined to believe Chelsea needs some fearlessness on the team. Essien commands respect. When this tank attacks, most players are scared of him & know Mr. tank is coming at me. I like that.