Chelsea boss Mourinho heaps praise on Essien

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho named Michael Essien as his man-of-the-match after the Ghanaian's star performance against Real Betis last night.

Essien, 22, set up Didier Drogba's opener while Joe Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and Hernan Crespo also scored in the Group G clash.

Boss Mourinho insisted: "Michael was my man-of-the-match. He was too strong for them. He won every challenge in midfield and brought a different pace to the game. He was crucial in our first and third goals and was far too powerful for Betis.

"That is his best game since he joined us in the summer.

"I remember he was great in one match at the beginning of the season but I think this was a more complete performance."