Name: Michael Kojo EssienNickname: "The Bison"
Country:
GhanaClub:
Chelsea FCPosition: *
CMF,
DMF,
CB,
SBSide:
RF/RSAge:
23-28 years (3/12/1982)
Height:
178 cmWeight:
84 kgAttack:
76Defence:
70Balance:
87Stamina:
95Top Speed:
82Acceleration:
80Response:
85Agility:
80Dribble Accuracy:
78Dribble Speed:
80Short Pass Accuracy:
78Short Pass Speed:
83Long Pass Accuracy:
81Long Pass Speed:
79Shot Accuracy:
71Shot Power:
88Shot Technique:
74Free Kick Accuracy:
70Curling:
76Header:
76Jump:
90Technique:
80Aggression:
77Mentality:
77Goalkeeper Skills:
50Team Work:
82Injury Tolerance:
CCondition/Fitness:
7Weak Foot Accuracy:
5Weak Foot Frequency:
5Consistency:
6Growth Type:
StandardCARDS:P08 - Box To Box
P11 - Long Ranger
S01 - Marauding
S06 - Outside Curve
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Reaction - Middle Shooting - Centre - Outside
Attack / Defence Awareness Card: BalancedINFO:Michael Essien was a Ghanaian midfielder, probably one of the best midfielders Africa has ever produced. He was a world class player at his best but injuries held him back from his mid-20s onwards. Essien was a player with huge physical presence, very strong and with enormous stamina that allowed him to cover the whole pitch. His powerful running with and without the ball and strong shot made him an effective player going forward. He was also a versatile player, he was usually a box to box midfielder but he could also play as a more defensive midfielder, at right back or even in the centre of defence. Apart from his injuries, his only weaknesses were that he was sometimes clumsy in tighter situations like close control and shorter passing moves. In more open games, he could totally dominate the midfield. Essien is a loved player by Chelsea fans for his iconic goals in important situations and his all-action playing style. With Ghana he was part of the team that made the Round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup although he was suspended for that game. Unfortunately he missed Ghana's greatest moment at the 2010 World Cup because of injury.