Essien draws Madrid praise

Midfielder Michael Essien has drawn praise from Real Madrid’s technical team after excelling in a make-shift left-back position.

The Spanish champions were very solid at the back despite missing some key players notably Marcelo in the 2-0 win over Celta de Vigo on Saturday.


Essien was brought in on loan on transfer deadline day mainly on his reputation as a utility player of which he displayed efficiently in the win over the Primera Liga minnows.


The 29-year-old’s eye-catching performance did not go unnoticed by Madrid’s assistant coach Aitor Karanka.


“The back four played very well. Celta only had one header at the end of the match,” Karanka declared to reporters after the match.

“Ramos knew his position, Varane fulfilled his role and Pepe played like he always does.


“We signed Essien because he is a player that the manager knows very well, and because of the various positions he can play in, which he fulfilled well tonight too.


“Today was an important match after the international break and the response of the team as a whole is what we expected.”


The Ghana international has fitted in perfectly since joining Los Blancos following his barren run of games at Chelsea.