Essien Player Review 

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Pros

Reliable Passing & Quick Distribution

Essien excels at short and long passes, making him effective at circulating possession and linking defense to attack. His quick passing ability allows smooth transitions in midfield.

Long Shot Threat

He can score powerful long-range shots with his strong foot, making him an occasional goal-scoring threat from outside the box.

Decent Pace for a CDM

While not the fastest, he has good enough pace to keep up with transitions and recover defensively when needed.

Excellent Defensive Marking & Pressing 

Essien’s marking is solid, and his quick reactions allow him to close down opponents swiftly and apply aggressive pressure.

Strong Tackling & Interceptions

His standing tackles are precise, and he intercept passes effectively, making him a key player in breaking up opposition attacks.

Great Ball Control & Strength

His balance and ball control allow him to carry the ball forward comfortably while also holding possession well under pressure.

Physically Strong

Essien is physically dominant, making him tough to dispossess and excellent in defensive duels.

Cons

Work Rate Could Be Better

His work rate is not as aggressive as some top-tier CDMs, meaning he might not cover ground as much as expected.

Struggles in Aerial Duels

Despite his physicality, he isn’t dominant in the air, making him less effective against aerial threats.

Best When Paired with Another Defensive Midfielder

While he is a great CDM, he performs better when partnered with a more defensive-minded midfielder to help cover spaces.

Conclusion

Essien is a solid and well-rounded CDM with strong tackling, passing, and physicality. His ability to control midfield and win duels makes him a great defensive presence. However, he isn’t dominant in the air and works better in a double-pivot setup rather than as a lone CDM. If you need a strong ball-winning midfielder, Essien is a great choice!

Rating: 9.4/10