Chelsea FC: The Old Michael Ballack Is Back

After a less-than-stellar first season, Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has had quite the sophomore campaign. 

After four years with Bayern Munich, in which the German totaled 44 goals in 107 appearances, Ballack caught the eye of the EPL.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich shelled out millions of dollars for Ballack, who underperformed last season, scoring just five goals in 26 appearances in Premiership play. 

This season, however, Ballack has excelled, netting seven goals in 17 matches for FC Chelsea. Ballack has returned to his fit form from the 2005-06 season in the Bundesliga, in which he scored 14 times.

Ballack has shown his improvement not only in his statistics, but in his confidence on the field. For example, in the Champions League quarter final stage, Ballack looked quite assured of himself on the pitch, controlling the ball beautifully against Turkish giant Fenerbahce. Ballack's improved playing ability has contributed to Chelsea's first Champions League final ever.

Ballack is most well-known for his ability to win headballs, especially on corner kicks. This year, though, Ballack has scored in a variety of ways, whether it be off of a free kick, breakaway, or nice through-ball. 

As the German national captain, Ballack has been scrutinized for two years by German newspapers for his choice to leave the Bundesliga in favor of the Premiership. This season, he has turned his doubters into believers, showing that he deserves to be a starter in the EPL.

With Euro 2008 fast approaching, and Ballack playing the calibre of soccer that helped his German squad to a third-place finish in the World Cup, Germany should be considered one of the top favorites to win the crown.

With Ballack's hard-working attitude, not only should his national team have a chance to win Euro 2008, but the Blues are in a nice position to take the Champions League, and with some luck, take the double via the EPL.

This summer will be a definite sign whether or not Ballack should be considered an elite player in Europe. But for now, he has shown great strides with his play on the pitch this season.