In an incredibly underwhelming 24 hours for Arsenal fans, the man the Gunner’s found themselves linked to most often on deadline day, was Chelsea’s very own injury magnet, Michael Essien. It must of seemed like a sick joke at the time.
Even The Guardian was reporting it. Essien, a player who has spent the majority of the last three or four seasons with major injury issues (although he had a fairly decent 2010/11 – 43 appearances), was set to join fellow crocks, Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby. As it turns out, however, the move didn’t materialize. In the end, the dynamic Frenchman ended up joining Real Madrid.
Why it was decided he’d get more games there instead of Arsenal, is beyond me. Didn’t they just sign Luka Modric?
Regardless, following the sale of Alex Song, Arsenal’s marauding defensive midfielder, you can’t help but feel that the Gunners could have used a player of Michael Essien’s ilk. At the height of his game, Essien was absolutely central to Chelsea’s success. He was a supreme all-rounder, comparable to the likes of Paul Scholes. He could pass the ball about, he would score goal and he was committed in the tackle. The complete package.
Unfortunately, his body couldn’t hack it and injuries got the better of him. Chelsea have missed him more than most fans care to admit.
If he can get back to his best, he’ll be a real asset for Real Madrid and Chelsea. What’s more, I believe he’d have fit in nicely at Arsenal. They need a competitive midfielder to shield the back-four whilst aiding the attack. They need an anchor in the midfield to support Santi Cazorla and get the attack flowing. Essien could have been that man.
Instead, they’ll have to rely on young Frenchman Francis Coquelin. But think how much Essien would have been able to teach Coq. The two players are very similar and I’m sure Coquelin would have thrived under Essien’s tutorlage. But that’s not to be.
Even if he didn’t play, Essien would have been a smart addition. If he did play and recovered his form, he would have been a great addition. So for me, this was a missed opportunity.
What’s your take? Would Michael Essien be a smart addition at the Emirates?
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Chelsea made it clear they wanted him to go on loan but not to a competitor, ie Arsenal.
Essien is Ghanaian not French and yes he would have been a massive signing for us.He would not curtail our youngsters’ progress coz of his age and they would learn alot from him.At his best,he was better than Yaya Toure.
Thanks for the correction! Stupid mistake.
Essien is a ghanaian not a frenchman.