Chelsea and Ghana icon Michael Essien has shared a controversial take regarding one of Arsenal’s star players.
Michael Essien is a bonafide Premier League great, and one of Africa’s finest ever exports.
His success began in France, where he won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles with Olympique Lyon in 2003-04 and 2004-05, earning the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award in 2005.
That same year, Essien made a big money move to Chelsea, joining the Premier League side for a then-record transfer fee of £24.4 million, making him the most expensive African footballer at the time.
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Jose Mourinho and Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien | Imago
Michael Essien in full flight for Chelsea.
The Ghana legend, who starred for Chelsea alongside the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, spoke to Sporty FM in an interview, where he praised compatriot and Arsenal star Thomas Partey.
Essien delivered a surprising assessment of the Gunners midfielder.
“Between myself and Thomas Partey in our primes, I don’t think I would pick myself. I would go for Partey. He is a fantastic midfielder, you know,” Essien said.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey || X
Arsenal’s midfielder Thomas Partey || X
This high praise from one of Africa’s finest-ever midfielders is a testament to Partey’s exceptional talent.
Although Partey has not won as many accolades as Essien, the Chelsea legend’s endorsement is a significant nod to Partey’s abilities.
His success began in France, where he won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles with Olympique Lyon in 2003-04 and 2004-05, earning the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award in 2005.