Essien: Scholes & Gerrard my toughest opponents

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday May 20, 2020. 11:00

Legendary Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien has picked Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard as the toughest opponents he has played against.

The accomplished midfielder faced Manchester United legend Scholes and Liverpool FC icon Steven Gerrard during his time with Chelsea.

Essien was one of Jose Mourinho’s key midfielders as the Blues dominated English football between 2005 and 2007.

The 37-year-old player also believes the English Premier League was more tough compared to now.

“It’s between Steven Gerard and Paul Scholes. Those two players were quite tough to play against,” Essien said on Goal.

“They were not only good on the ball but they could tackle really hard. They were really tough but the Premier League was much more tough compared to now.

“Every team you come up against was difficult so you have to try to be tougher.”

Essien, who is currently on the books of Azerbaijan side Sabail, made 256 appearances for Chelsea between 2005 and 2014, and he is considered a club legend.

The defensive midfielder won four FA Cups, two Premier League titles and UEFA Champions League trophy with the London giants.