The Ghanaian has been named in six games out of the first seven Premier League matches but is yet to feature a minute on the pitch.
It must be a great concern over the age of the midfielder and his footballing career. But even Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole who are older than Essien are getting regular chances for the blues side.
Fitness problems might be an issue for him, but he still can perform in his top level and there is no doubt on that. On loan to Real Madrid last season, Essien featured in 34 games and was a regular start in more than half of the club's matches in the Spanish League. Furthermore, Mourinho even featured him for full 90 minutes in the Champions League semifinal win of 2-0 over Dortmund in April.
Essien, who has played for Lyon, Real Madrid, Ghana and Chelsea also enjoys good relationship with Jose Mourinho and calls him "daddy". With Frank Lampard and Ramires in the central holding positions who prefer to act box-to-box, there is still a need of that '2' in the 4-2-3-1 formation to protect and keep hold of the opponent's attack.
He might not be the same as he was 5 years ago because of frequent knee injuries in recent years, but the return of one of the finest premier league midfielder's in history would be a great delight in the Premier League.
Source: DSG
