Mourinho: Essien is the “wall” in Chelsea

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has named his powerful midfielder Michael Essien as ‘The Wall’ after the Ghanaian demonstrated his power on pre-season with the Blues.

The Portuguese manager is confident that Essien is ready to demonstrate his strength once more for Chelsea after returning on loan from Real Madrid.

Knee injuries on four occasions since joining the Blues from Lyon in August 2005, during Mourinho’s first spell in charge, have threatened Essien’s future.

But he was rejuvenated by a loan spell under the Portuguese at Real Madrid last season and now hopes to be part of a successful second spell at Stamford Bridge for the Special One.

At one point in Wednesday’s defeat of the Singha All-Stars in Thailand, an opposing player appeared to bounce off Essien.

“He hit ‘The Wall’,” Mourinho said.

Essien is expected to play a key role of Chelsea this season as they start their fight for the Premier League title.