Reasons Why Ghanaians Must Give Essien A Break!

It is disappointing to see Ghanaians blame Essien for the poor performance against Ivory Coast. And to make matters worse, he is being blamed for getting injured during a training Session with the Blackstars at Angola. It is not a bad idea to criticize players for poor performance but to blame a player for getting injured while serving his nation is ungrateful.

I am sure most Ghanaian critics do not even know the history of Essien and how much he has given to Ghana through Soccer. I hope the seven reasons bellow will paint a better picture of Michael Essien to his critics.

1. Essien started his Internationals career in 1999 by representing Ghana at the FIFA 1999 under 17 World tournament in New Zealand. As a young boy unknown to most Ghanaians and the world, he served Ghana well by helping the under 17 national team to win a bronze medal.

2. In 2001 Essien was once again called to national duty to represent Ghana at the World Youth Tournament at Argentina. As one of the youngest players in the Championship, Essien selflessly helped Ghana to the finals where Ghana won the Silver Medal.

3. Due to his discipline on and off the pitch and his exceptional performance, several Soccer agents and clubs around the world turned to Ghana hoping to sign him for their clubs. French club Bastia was lucky to sign him in the year 2000. He played 151 games for Bastia and Lyon in France but Lyon could not resist the pressure from English giants such as Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea etc. In 2005 Chelsea signed him to move from France to England. He has since played 179 games for Chelsea. Ghanaian critics should remember that while playing these numerous games for his clubs in Europe, Essien still made it to all national games whenever the GFA invited him.

4. His commitment to the blackstars is unquestionable. He led Ghana to the last World cup in Germany where Ghana was eliminated after the group stage by Brazil because of Essien’s absence due to double yellow cards. Essien got injured during a World Cup qualifier against Libya on 5 September 2008. Essien ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament serving Ghana, a country he loved so much. As a result of his injury against Libya, he was out of action for six months. During his absence, Chelsea lost most of their league games. Many experienced soccer analyst still believe strongly that Coach Scolari lost his job because of the absence of Essien during the 2008 English league season.

5. Essien helped Ghana qualify the second time for the World Cup. He got injured playing for his club in England and could have used that injury or the shooting of the Togo national team at Cabinda - Angola as his excuse to stay out of the Current African Cup of nations tournament at Angola, but he insisted on making it to Angola to serve his nation eventhough the whole world knew he was injured. Which of his critics will do this for Ghana?

6. Once again Essien is injured in the line of duty for his country Ghana and his critics will not even have the respect to allow him some time to overcome his injury. Why are Ghanaians treating this wonderful guy with such disrespect? Essien is a player that every Soccer loving nation will be happy to have in their World Cup team. The English national team will not treat Steven Gerard, Lampard or John Terry like that.

7. Throughout his career. No coach keeps Essien on the bench unless he is injured. He has been a regular player for all his club and national team duties since 1999. This is a player that has been overused. I believe strongly that Essien is still able to play that well because of the blessings he receives from God for giving so much to his country through soccer and his charitable work. Essien is an Ambassador for Ghana overseas. Most soccer fans around the world now know there is a Country called Ghana because of Essien.

While other nations are praying for their top stars to stay injury free before the world cup, Ghana is treating its best players with such disrespect. Ghanaian critics should be informed that Essien have nothing to loose if he chooses to retire from International Soccer today. Excellent young, and talented soccer stars such as Balotelli are refusing to play for Ghana because of these types of unnecessary Ghanaian critics. Ghana had very good players during the Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah era but Ghana did not qualify for the World Cup during those days. Essien and his team mates have give Ghana two World Cup qualifications, does that ring a bell? Ghanaians have the right to criticize, but do that based on facts. Please give Essien a break.

NICK Amuna USA nicamuna@yahoo.com