Ex Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has spoken out about his belief that Michael Essien did not receive the recognition he truly deserved during his time at the club. Essien, who joined Chelsea in 2005, was a formidable presence in midfield and played a crucial role in the club’s success. However, injuries later restricted his playing time, preventing him from ending his career at Stamford Bridge in the way he might have hoped.
Mikel said to TNT Sports, Essien’s impact and described him as an underrated player, stressing that his contributions were often overlooked. “Michael Essien didn’t get the recognition he deserved. We talked about so many great midfielders, not just in Chelsea but in the Premier League,” he noted, emphasizing that Essien’s name should be more widely celebrated.
Essien was known for his powerful playing style, earning him the nickname “the train” among teammates and fans. His ability to dominate the midfield with a combination of strength, speed, and technical brilliance made him one of the most fearsome players of his era. “When he goes, it is difficult to stop; power, speed, technique. Everything he had,” Mikel recalled, underlining the unique attributes that made Essien an integral part of Chelsea’s squad.
Throughout his time at the club, Essien was a key figure in Chelsea’s triumphs, playing a vital role in Premier League and Champions League campaigns. His versatility allowed him to operate in various midfield roles, showcasing his intelligence, composure, and ability to dictate the pace of the game. His unforgettable long-range strikes, robust defensive work, and crucial performances in big matches endeared him to Chelsea fans, but Mikel believes he should be spoken of with even greater reverence.
The Nigerian and Ghanaian internationals shared the pitch for Chelsea on 125 occasions, winning 82 games, drawing 23, and losing 20 together. Their time as teammates was defined by midfield dominance, tactical awareness, and a shared commitment to winning titles for the Blues.
Despite injuries affecting the latter part of his career, Essien remains a legend in the world of football, and Mikel’s words serve as a reminder of the brilliance he brought to Chelsea and the Premier League. His legacy continues to inspire young African footballers, proving that hard work, resilience, and extraordinary skill can propel players to the highest levels of the game.
Essien on the international level made his Ghana debut in 2002 and boasts of 58 caps as well as nine goals. He was a key member of the country’s golden generation that played their first-ever Fifa World Cup in 2006.
