Michael Essien: 18th Best Player In The World

The respected international football magazine, four-four-two, publishes a list of the 100 best players in the world. It has just released the 2009 list, which sees Ghana’s Michael Essien improve from 22nd best (2008) to 18th this year.

Some players have their reputation enhanced when they are missing through injury, as their team-mates struggle without them. While Essien’s six-month absence with a knee injury was undoubtedly a factor in Chelsea’s lack of dynamism under Scolari, he wasted little time in showing his worth once fit again. Goals against Juventus and dramatically, Barcelona, lifted Chelsea in Europe and a fully fit season ahead should see Essien break into next year’s top 10.