The beginning, the fall and the return of the "Bison"

No, I am not referring to Christopher Nolan's Batman series. I am speaking of Chelsea midfielder and powerhouse, Michael Essien. The Ghanaian international joined Chelsea at the wake of Chelsea's first premier league title in the summer of 2005. Then Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, was quick to spot the player's potential. The 04/05 champions league campaign saw Essien and his former club Lyon perform exceptionally, managing to top a group consisting of Manchester United, Fenerbahce and Sparta Prague. Lyon progressed as far as the quarter finals where they lost to PSV, but in their path they lay waste to Werder Bremen, defeating them 10-2 on aggregate. Essien was one of the many players instrumental in Lyon's progression. At the end of the season, Chelsea continued their spending spree and snapped him up for 24.4 million pounds.


Michael Essien for Lyon.


His first season at Chelsea provided the fans with only a glimpse of what he is capable of. Due to the presence of Claude Makelele in the team, Essien had to forfeit the defensive midfield role and play in a more free role along with Lampard. The Blues won the league title for the second time in 2006. In the 06/07 season, Essien was truly unleashed upon the premier league and champions league. He mastered the defensive mid role which mean't that even the great Makelele had to take a back seat. But Essien wasn't an ordinary defensive midfield player. Unlike Makelele, he liked to push forward whenever the chance presented itself. He scored a notable number of goals, the stunning late strike against Arsenal being the most memorable one. There wasn't to be a third consecutive league title for Chelsea but they did manage a domestic cup double by winning both the Carling cup and the FA cup. Quite understandably, Essien was awarded the best Chelsea player of the season ahead of the brilliant Drogba, who won the premier league golden boot award. 



Essien tackling Flamini of Arsenal at the Bridge during the 06/07 season.

By then, Essien had become a crucial part of the team and was also one of the 9 untouchables of Jose Mourinho. He had a great ability of breaking up play and charging forward with the ball. His immense strength and tank like characteristics earned him the nickname of the "bison". In him, Chelsea had the best defensive midfielder in the world and perhaps the most intimidating. The next year, which saw the sack of Mourinho, Essien was like a leader in the team. Chelsea encountered all sorts of problems during the 07/08 season, from the appointment of Avram grant to the injuries to Lampard and Terry. Essien had a very central role in the team and was fast becoming one of the senior players. Along with the likes of Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Michael Ballack, Essien managed to revive Chelsea's faltering season which allowed them to challeng for the title late on in the season. Unfortunately Chelsea finished 2nd after a final day tussle with Utd. Even in the champions league final, Chelsea failed to overcome Utd after a heart break in the penalty shootout. Anyway, Essien had a great season. He was now an established player at the club.


Essien with Germany captain Michael Ballack.

The next two seasons proved to be unfortunate for Essien. He suffered an injury to his knee which took a  while to repair. Without him, Chelsea lost a lot of their fervor and tenacity. The midfield was weakened with Mikel filling the whole left by Essien. He did return to action a few times, but the injury reoccurred and his appearances were limited. He missed much of Chelsea's 09/10 title winning season. Ballack often played in his role. The 10/11 season saw Essien make a recovery and had a decent season. He no longer had the same energy as before. Mikel was improving and was often preferred to him. However, Essien managed to feature in most games. Last season, injury struck Essien again. He was to undergo an operation which subsequently rule him out for more than half the season. When he made his return against Sunderland, he looked but a shadow of his former self. He looked like a completely different player. Fans began to think whether his days in the club were numbered. Mikel was now a firm favorite for the defensive mid role and  he performed his duties brilliantly. The Nigerian was also instrumental in Chelsea's champions league triumph.


Essien has encountered several injury problems with his knee.


The future was looking bleak for Essien. Had the time come to let him go? Was he at the twilight of his career? The answer is no. Chelsea are currently touring the United States as part of their pre season preparations. They played three games till now, against Seattle Sounders, PSG and the MLS All-stars. Essien was brilliant in all three of them. It's seems like he is out to prove a point, not only to the club but also himself. He has started to play like he did 4 or 5 years ago. The true Michael Essien has returned. Although it'll be interesting to see if he will be selected in the main team for the league season with the likes of Ramires, Mikel and Meireles waiting on the wings. Nonetheless, its wonderful to watch the "Bison" back in touch and form. If he continues like this, the premier league better watch out.


Essien back in training and ready to go.