Michael Essien

Ghana · Central midfielder (Defensive midfielder, Right-back, Centre-back) · Gen 2 · Zidane & Ronaldinho · Peak 2004-2009

Powerful Bison who covered every blade of grass and dominated both boxes

Nicknames The Bison

80.1OVR#175 of 1,235 outfield players

Position-weighted average of all outfield and career attributes, as on the main table.

“He won every battle in midfield and he was crucial for two of the goals. He had too much power for them.”
— José Mourinho, Chelsea coach · 2005 · source

Category averages

  • Speed81.2
  • Shooting74.0
  • Passing76.6
  • Ball Control79.7
  • Movement80.8
  • Football IQ81.0
  • Defending Skill82.3
  • Physical85.3
  • Mental87.3
  • Career71.4

Top 10 attributes

  1. Stamina95
  2. Strength92
  3. Recovery92
  4. Selflessness92
  5. Determination92
  6. Shot Power90
  7. Recovery Runs90
  8. Standing Tackle90
  9. Aggression90
  10. Long Shots88

All 64 attributes

Speed 81.2

  • Top Speed83
  • Acceleration85
  • Dribbling Speed77
  • Top Speed with Ball81
  • Knock-on & Run81
  • Change of Pace80

Shooting 74.0

  • Finishing76
  • Shot Power90
  • Long Shots88
  • Volleys74
  • Curve72
  • Penalties70
  • Heading72
  • Direct Free Kicks62
  • Shooting Creativity70
  • Acrobatics66

Passing 76.6

  • Short Passing86
  • Long Passing82
  • Through Balls76
  • Crossing72
  • Link-up Play80
  • Vision80
  • Set-Piece Delivery60

Ball Control 79.7

  • Dribbling82
  • Possession86
  • First Touch84
  • Skills & Tricks66
  • Weak Foot74
  • Press Resistance86

Movement 80.8

  • Off-the-Ball Movement76
  • Runs in Behind76
  • Attacking Positioning76
  • Anticipation86
  • Recovery Runs90

Football IQ 81.0

  • Decision Making86
  • Spatial Awareness84
  • Game Management82
  • Tactical Creativity72

Defending Skill 82.3

  • Defensive Positioning86
  • Marking84
  • Interceptions86
  • Standing Tackle90
  • Sliding Tackle86
  • Offside Trap62

Physical 85.3

  • Strength92
  • Stamina95
  • Agility81
  • Balance88
  • Recovery92
  • Reactions88
  • Hold-up Play66
  • Aerial Duels76
  • Aggression90

Mental 87.3

  • Big-Game Temperament86
  • Leadership82
  • Selflessness92
  • Concentration86
  • Determination92
  • Tactical Discipline86

Career 71.4

  • Consistency82
  • Longevity74
  • Achievements69
  • Durability60
  • Loyalty72

Profile

Born
3 December 1982
Height
178 cm
Foot
Right
Career
2000–2019
Prime
2004-2009

Club career

  • 2000–2003 Bastia
  • 2003–2005 Lyon
  • 2005–2014 Chelsea
  • 2012–2013 Real Madrid (loan)
  • 2014–2015 AC Milan
  • 2015–2016 Panathinaikos
  • 2017–2017 Persib Bandung
  • 2018–2019 Sabail

Honours

European Cup / Champions League 1

2012 Chelsea

League title · Ligue 1 Lyon 2

2003–04, 2004–05

League title · Premier League Chelsea 2

2005–06, 2009–10

FA Cup 3

2006–07, 2008–09, 2011–12

League Cup 1

2006–07

Community Shield 1

2009

Trophée des Champions 2

2003, 2004

Trophy illustrations: Wikimedia Commons

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