Source: PA
Tiote aiming to emulate Essien
Newcastle new boy Cheik Tiote is hoping to follow in the footsteps of role model Michael Essien as he continues his impressive start to life in English football.
The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international is already winning rave reviews on Tyneside for his performances as Chris Hughton's midfield enforcer following a summer move from Dutch side FC Twente.
He has been compared favourably to Chelsea and Ghana star Essien, and that is a label he takes as both a compliment and a challenge.
Answering questions submitted by fans to the club's official website, www.nufc.co.uk, Tiote said: "Obviously, I'm only young, but to be compared to Michael Essien is quite a compliment.
"I'm very proud to be spoken of like that. I've always watched Michael Essien as a role model in midfield and one day I hope to be as good as him - or even better!"
