Name: Michael Essien
Age: 27
Club: Chelsea
Country: Ghana
International caps: 51
International goals: 9
Essien began his senior career at Bastia in France, before moving to Lyon in 2003 for 7.8 million euros.
After excelling as a defensive midfielder he was voted Player of the Season by his peers in his maiden season, leading Lyon to the French title.
Another title followed in his second season, before Chelsea paid a club record £26m to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
A Premier League title followed, as Essien earned rave reviews for his performances at the axis of the Chelsea midfield.
Essien's reputation has continued to grow in the Premier League, and he remains a key member of the Chelsea squad.
On the international stage, he brings much-needed experience to the Ghana midfield and will make them a difficult side to break down in South Africa.
No 16: Theo Walcott
No 17: Samuel Eto'o
No 18: Nani
No 19: Robinho
No: 20: David Villa
No 21: Giorgio Chiellini
No 22: Carlos Vela
No 23: Diego Forlan
No 24: Marek Hamsik
No 25: Wilson Palacios
No 26: Alexis Sanchez
No 27: Tim Cahill
No 28: Gonzalo Higuain
No 29: John Terry
No 30: Andres Iniesta
No 31: Maicon
No 32: Victor Obinna
No 33: Klaas Jan Huntelaar
No 34: Ryan Nelsen
No 35: Tranquilo Barnetta
No 36: Jozy Altidore
No 37: Robert Koren
No 38: Teko Modise
No 39: Simon Kjaer
No 40: Jong Tae-Se
No 41: Nadir Belhadj
No 42: Roque Santa Cruz
No 43: Park Ji-Sung
No 44: Nikola Zigic
No 45: Yaya Toure
No 46: Angelos Charisteas
No 47: Keisuke Honda
No 48: Hugo Lloris
No 49: Mario Gomez
No 50: Guiseppe Rossi
Source: DSG
