Michael Essien, a former star midfielder for Chelsea, recently shared his thoughts on scoring important goals during his time at the club. Known for his incredible talent and hard work, Essien often played alongside his teammate Didier Drogba, who was known for scoring many of the team’s goals.
Let us explore Essien’s views on his contributions to Chelsea, the significance of the goals he scored, and some memorable moments from his career.
Key Takeaway to Scoring Important Goals
- Scoring Important Goals: Michael Essien highlights the importance of scoring crucial goals during his career, acknowledging that he often left the bulk of the goal-scoring to Didier Drogba while focusing on key moments that helped Chelsea win important matches.
Essien’s Humble Acknowledgment on Scoring Important Goals in His Career
During his time at Chelsea, Michael Essien scored 25 goals and provided 20 assists between 2005 and 2013. Despite his achievements, he humbly credits Didier Drogba for handling most of the goal-scoring duties. Drogba, who played as a striker, is one of the club’s all-time greats, sitting third on the list of top scorers with 164 goals. This shows just how important Drogba was to Chelsea’s success during that period.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports Editor Fentuo Tahiru, Essien mentioned that he preferred to score only when it was crucial for the team. He stated, “I only score when the team needs a goal. I score the important ones and leave the rest to Drogba and co.” This statement highlights his selflessness and dedication to the team, putting the club’s needs above his own personal stats.
Important Goals Scored by Essien
Throughout his career at Chelsea, Essien scored several important goals that helped the team in critical moments.
1/ One of his most memorable goals was during the 2006 FA Cup final against Manchester United. His long-range shot gave Chelsea an early lead, helping them secure the trophy. This goal was significant as it showcased his powerful shooting ability and set the tone for the match.
2/ Another crucial goal came in a Premier League match against Arsenal in 2006, which Essien regards as his favourite. He described this match as special because Arsenal was one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals. He said, “My favourite ever is against Arsenal in 2006. First, because they are one of our [Chelsea’s] biggest rivals, and second, we were playing at home and had to maintain our unbeaten record.” Scoring against a rival team made this goal even more meaningful for him.
3/ Additionally, Essien scored a vital goal in the Champions League against Barcelona in 2009. His powerful strike helped Chelsea gain an advantage in a crucial match that showcased their determination and skill. This goal is remembered as part of a memorable campaign, even though they narrowly missed out on winning the title that year.
Essien’s Transition to Coaching
After retiring from playing, Michael Essien has continued to stay involved in football. He now holds a UEFA License A coaching certificate, which qualifies him to coach at a high level.
Since 2020, he has been working as an Individual Player Coach at FC Nordsjaelland, a club in Denmark. In this role, he focuses on helping young players develop their skills and improve their game. His experience as a top player allows him to share valuable knowledge with the next generation of footballers.
Chelsea’s Current Performance
While Essien reflects on his past, Chelsea is currently working hard in the 2024/2025 Premier League season.
As of now, they sit in eighth place after four matches, having collected seven points from a possible twelve. The team is looking to improve its performance and climb the league table, just as they did during Essien’s time at the club.
Conclusion
Michael Essien’s reflections on his career reveal a player who valued teamwork and knew the significance of scoring important goals. By sharing the spotlight with teammates like Didier Drogba, he demonstrated selflessness and a commitment to Chelsea’s success. His memorable goals against rivals and in crucial matches show that he was more than just a midfielder; he was a key player who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Now, as a coach at FC Nordsjaelland, Essien continues to influence the game by helping young players grow and learn. His journey from player to coach is inspiring, and his experiences remind us that the most important contributions often come from understanding the bigger picture in sports. As Chelsea continues its journey in the Premier League, Essien’s legacy at the club remains a testament to his hard work and dedication.
