Joe Cole on Essiens return

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Goal.com

Joe Cole: Long-Term Injury To Essien Has Been Detrimental To Chelsea

Michael Essien's return to first-team duty has, thus far, been greater in terms of impact than any Chelsea fan could have predicted. The impressive Ghana international has displayed all the battling midfield qualities that attracted punditry acclaim prior to his sustaining the injury that has dogged his whole season.

If it were not for Essien, the outcome of the Blues' hosting of Manchester City in the press-dubbed 'Clash of the Cash' may have been different, as it was only his first-half goal that separated the two sides.

He possesses a direct style, a willingness to get forward, and an unrivalled box-to-box play that places heavy emphasis on energy.

It is these attributes that team-mate Joe Cole feels Chelsea have sorely missed, and the flair midfielder is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, "Essien would have made a difference.

"What we've missed is that little bit of pace in the midfield this year. Any team would miss him because he's our engine room," he concluded.

Joe Cole is himself currently sidelined after suffering a similar injury to the one that kept Essien at bay until March. Cole is not expected to be back until the start of next season.

You can already see the difference Essien has made to the midfield. Its great to have him back.

[Kez 2,727]

Yep he has deffo made a big difference! It's great to have hmi back

[Mungii 3]

We were playing all season without our best player!!..He is really great and he can do lot of things...DM position and even score( We saw that in last 2 matches).....

[Badboy 1,526]

I think now he is back people like ballack and mikel can have a little rest.

Edited March 17, 2009 by Badboy