Michael Essien

Ghana's motor

Lyon's Ghanean midfielder Mickael Essien holds his national flag, 15 May 2004 at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, after the French first league football match between Paris and Lyon. Lyon becomes France Champion despite being defeated 1-0. AFP PHOTO JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU

Since helping Ghana to third place at the under-17 world championships in 1999, Michael Essien's career has soared to stratospheric heights, the latest pinnacle being a whopping 38 million euros transfer from Lyon to Chelsea.

Essien had been a key figure since arriving at Lyon in 2003, his marauding midfield performances helping them to consecutive French championship titles as well as two quarter-final appearances in the Champions League (2004, 2005).

He also played an indispensable role in Ghana's qualification for their first ever World Cup appearance, notching up three goals along the way as the Black Stars edged out group favourites South Africa.

The conversion

le milieu de terrain troyen Rafik Saïfi (D) est a la lutte avec son homologue bastiais Michaël Essien, le 27 avril 2002 au stade de l'Aube à Troyes, lors du match Troyes/Bastia, comptant pour la 33e journée du championnat de France de football de D1. AFP PHOTO ALAIN JULIEN

He embarked on his European adventure in 2000 signing with Corsican side Bastia at the age of 18 from Liberty Accra and began to establish his reputation after switching from defence to midfield during an injury crisis in his first season there.

Essien built on that inaugural campaign and became one of the true stars in the side over the following two seasons, using his strength and skills to defend, create play and score. A number of the top French clubs quickly sat up and took notice.

Champions Lyon landed him after interest from England was cut short by the fact he hadn't played enough matches for Ghana to pass visa criteria, so he joined Paul Le Guen's rising French outfit in their thirsty quest for silverware.

Although he had been a French Cup finalist with Bastia in 2002 the domestic league titles of 2004 and 2005 crowned a glorious spell in his career, culminating in him winning France's player of the year award for 2005.

Chelsea get their man

Lyon' Ghanean midfielder michael Essien jubilate after scoring a goal in a group D Champion League match Lyon/Sparta Prague at Gerland stadium in Lyon 8 december 2004

His displays in the Champions League, where Lyon were stamping an increasing authority, began to attract interest from some of Europe's most ambitious clubs, and his 5 goals and dynamic displays were enough to prompt Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to reach for his chequebook.

Chelsea's Mickael Essien (C) dribbles between Mark De Man (L) and Anthony Vanden Borre (R) of Anderlecht during the Champions League Group G match at Stamford Bridge in London 13 September 2005. Chelsea won the game 1-0. AFP PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS

Despite the stubborness of Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas, who desperately tried to hang onto this prized asset, Essien was determined on a move to London, a transfer which eventually warranted a kings ransom of 38 million euros to complete.

In London he swiftly nailed down a starting job in midfield alongside Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele from Jose Mourinho's star-studded squad, and the experience of the Premiership will serve him in good stead for his country's World Cup debut in Germany.