Essien is a ‘great player’ – Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has described Ghana midfielder Michael Essien as a “great player.”

The former Chelsea coach said the “quality midfielder” will succeed at AC Milan due to his professional approach to work.

“When I coached him he was still recovering from his knee injury, but when he was back he trained really well. He then had another injury which kept him out 3-4 months but he’s a great player,” Ancelotti told Milan Channel.

“Last year he didn’t play much because of the noteworthy competition, and for this reason he also played at right back. But he’s a quality midfielder and a great professional who works hard.”

Essien has joined the Rossoneri from the Stamford Bridge on a free transfer for the next 18 months and was on the bench as Milan drew 1-1 to Torino at the San Siro on Saturday.