Michael Essien, the former Black Stars midfielder, has been included in Score90's prestigious Africa Team of the 21st Century. He is the only Ghanaian player to have achieved this feat. Essien's selection is a testament to his impressive career, which was marked by numerous accolades and achievements. During his time at Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
Essien's inclusion in the team is alongside some of Africa's greatest footballers of the 21st century. The team features Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Samuel Eto’o in attack, while Édouard Mendy was selected in goal. The defence is made up of Benoît Assou-Ekotto, Kolo Touré, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Achraf Hakimi. Essien was deployed in a three-man midfield alongside Nigeria's Jay-Jay Okocha and Ivory Coast's Yaya Touré.
Jay-Jay Okocha is widely regarded as one of the most gifted players the continent has produced, while Yaya Touré helped Ivory Coast claim the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title and won four consecutive Premier League titles with Manchester City. Essien's qualities, which made him one of the most complete midfielders of his era, include physical strength, relentless energy, disciplined tackling, and a consistent ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
At club level, Michael Essien built an impressive collection of honours during his decorated career across Europe. Before his success in West London, Essien began his rise to prominence at Bastia, where his performances attracted the attention of Olympique Lyonnais. He then moved to Chelsea, where he won several titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
Despite Ghana not winning a major international trophy during his time with the Black Stars, Essien's individual achievements and impact at club level have earned him recognition among Africa's finest footballers of the 21st century. His standing in African football is remarkable, considering the level of competition and the calibre of players on the continent.
Essien has also been linked with a potential coaching role with the Black Stars, with YEN.com.gh earlier reporting that he was named as a potential candidate for Ghana's interim head coaching role. He has been working as an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland since 2020. This new role could be an opportunity for him to share his experience and expertise with the next generation of Ghanaian footballers.
Key points
- Michael Essien is the only Ghanaian player included in Score90's Africa Team of the 21st Century.
- Essien's selection is alongside other African icons like Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Samuel Eto’o.
- Essien has been linked with a potential coaching role with the Black Stars.
