When he signed for Chelsea in 2005, José
Mourinho defined Essien as a "multifunctional" player. The Ghanaian
international has a quality that stands out above everything else: his
versatility. The new Real Madrid player has spent most of his career in
midfield but has also played at right-back and in central defence.
After shining for Ghana u-17s in the
1999 New Zealand World Cup, Essien took the leap into European football in 2000
to when signing for Bastia. Two seasons were enough to dazzle one of the
Europe’s big clubs and he signed for Olympique Lyon in 2002. Three years later
he ended up at Chelsea. His physical power is remarkable and makes him a great
midfielder, but apart from that Essien also has the ability to organise attacks
and score goals.
His powerful stature has earned him the
nickname of The Bison. The new Real Madrid player, who was described in the
past by José Mourinho as an "athlete who can run for hours, a spectacular
athlete", is a physical marvel. The Ghanaian will be coming to a coach who
he already managed him at Chelsea for three seasons from 2005 to 2008.
For Essien football is not everything.
The player is very committed to his country and to the living conditions there,
especially of those most in need and of the children. Whenever he has the
opportunity he participates in charity events.
Honours
·
1 Champions
League (2012)
·
2 English
League titles (2010 and 2006)
·
4 English
Cups (2012, 2010, 2009 and 2007)
·
1 Community
Shield (2009)
·
1 English League
Cup (2007)
·
2 French League
titles (2005 and 2004)
·
Best player in
the French League (2005)
Career
·
Bastia (2000-2003)
·
Olympique de
Lyon (2003-2005)
·
Chelsea (2005-2012)
·
Real Madrid
(2012- )
·
A full
international with Ghana
