Mourinho praise for Essien

Jose Mourinho has declared himself delighted with Michael Essien's early season form.

The Chelsea midfielder has been one of the champions' stand-out performers thus far this season, coming on the back of an impressive World Cup in the summer.

In Germany, Essien enjoyed a fine tournament as the heartbeat of an exciting Ghana side and in The Premiership, this term, such form has been replicated.

Mourinho feels the combative 23-year-old is not only now accomplished as a defensive player but also offensively, backing Essien to keep on improving if he maintains his recent exemplary disciplinary record.

"Everything is perfect defensively," said Mourinho. "Offensively he has more qualities and scored his goal (against Werder Bremen).

"From a disciplinary point of view, he is completely clean. He has not one single yellow card.

"This is because everything is about the strength of his body not about bad fouling or actions in the game."

The pre-season arrival of Michael Ballack at Stamford Bridge has led to increased competition in Chelsea's engine room but Essien insists this was always something he anticipated, and accepts.

"If you play at a club like Chelsea, there will always be competition," said Essien.

"For me it's not a problem. I'm very happy here. You have to expect this kind of thing. And it makes you a better player.

"Last season was my first in the Premiership and I think I've developed a lot since then and gained lots of valuable experience.

"The more you play, the more you keep developing and improving."