The Observer profiles Michael Essien

On Michael Essien
” He is nicknamed Bison because of a frightening fearlessness and strength; Dietmar Hamann and Tal Ben Haim, both on the business end of tackles by the Ghanaian last season, can vouch for Essien’s impact on the football field. ”
The Guardian discusses Essien’s impact on Chelsea football, his meteoric rise as one of Africa’s superstars and Ghana’s best player since Abedi Pele. Essien comes across as a shy and private individual who is devoted to his mother and shares a complex and disturbed relationship with his estranged father.
Essien will be leading a strong Ghana team that boasts Stephen Appiah, John Pantsil, Emmanuel Pappoe, and Sulley Muntari as Ghana hosts the Africa Cup in 2008.