If Big Phil had Essien fit, would he still be boss of the Blues?

March 21, 2009

Michael Essien’s timely return to fitness and form could well be the defining factor
in the remainder of Chelsea’s season. With the Ghanaian international back, the
Blues have been unrecognisable to the team that were struggling for form under Luiz
Felipe Scolari. Unlike the Brazilian, Guus Hiddink has been able to bring the best
out of certain players who had previously been horribly underperforming, mentioning
no Drogba’s. However, the return of Essien, nicknamed ‘Bison’ by his teammates due
to his immense strength, will be seen by many pundits more far more important to
Chelsea than the Ivorian striker’s recent upturn in form.

Still just 26 year-of-age, Essien’s pace, power and an exceptional all round
intelligence brought out with an eye for the killer pass and the ability to pop up
with the odd crucial goal,20has made him one of the most complete midfielders in
world football. He is disciplined yet knows when to get forward to make crucial
contributions to the game - just think of his goals against Manchester City and
against Juventus in the Champions league.

However, all these attributes were sorely missed due to the knee injury he picked up
earlier in the season, and six months without the powerful Ghanaian has taken its
toll of the team’s league position. Despite John Obi Mikel doing a more than
adequate job for Scolari, he doesn’t pose Essien’s tenacity and drive. Even if the
Premier League proves too big an ask for Chelsea this season the return of their
most dynamic player could yet spur them on to glory in the F.A Cup and maybe the
Champions League. But tell this to big Phil, who can only sit and wonder what might
have been!

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