Has Michael Essien done enough to start against Tottenham?

Michael Essien

Chelsea face Tottenham (as you all know) this weekend at ‘Three-Point-Lane’ White Hart Lane and although it was against Swindon last night (no disrespect STFC fans), I really hope that Michael Essien has done enough to convince Jose that it is he who has to start on Saturday.

We are waiting on an update on the knock Ramires had last night and hopefully, he will be able to rest today, recover and be available but even if he is fit and available, Michael Essien needs to play next to him.

At times last night, Essien showed us all glimpses of what we had become used to here before he began to suffer with injuries to his knees. He has physique and the necessary strength to still compete at the highest level and so, when he is fit and on his game, the man from Ghana is unrivalled in my opinion.

Again, we saw a few glimpses of the drive he has in his game when he picks the ball up and pushes forward and gives us an alternative to Mikel.

I am big fan of Mikel for the defensive side of his game. His defensive instincts are of a different class and has, at times this season, made important interceptions to break up our opponents play in our own half.

I still believe that Essien can do a job there and up against the likes of Paulinho and Dembele, he would more than hold his own playing next to Mikel or Ramires.

Ideally, we want Ramires but if he isn’t available, Mikel being next to him is no bad thing.

In a London derby like this one, it’s important for Jose to get his defensive base and foundation correct. The focus at the moment is about our attacking players and their work rate off the ball but again, you need a solid base to build on.

Michael Essien gives us exactly that and in pre season and last night, he has proven that he is fully fit and raring to go.