50 players to watch at the World Cup - No 14 Michael Essien

Our countdown to South Africa continues with a look at Chelsea's midfielder anchor Michael Essien. 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. THE STORY SO FAR. 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