Chelsea Transfer Rumours: 5 Players Who Could Replace Michael Essien

Will J BakerJun 2, 2018

Michael Essien was disappointing for large parts of last season, and he does not appear to have fully recovered from a series of serious injuries.

The long summer break should allow Essien to regain full fitness for 2011/12, which Chelsea fans hope will see Essien return to his explosive and energetic best.

I have always felt that Essien has more to contribute in the holding role, as his incredible desire to cover ground makes it very difficult to combat his presence in front of the defense.

This is an extract from one of my previous articles in which I foresaw a vast improvement in the form of Michael Essien.

Another crushing injury blow to the Ghanaian powerhouse leaves a hole to be filled in Chelsea's midfield.

Here is a list of five players that could potentially fill that hole.

Yossi Benayoun

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One of the key reasons for Chelsea's abysmal run of results in the winter period of last season was their lack of a creative force in midfield.

It is this void that has led to Chelsea's desperate pursuit of Luka Modric but, with Tottenham determined to hang on to their prize asset, it is not yet clear as to whether the Blues will be able to capture the Croatian's signature.

Essien's injury means that Villas-Boas may have to turn to Yossi Benayoun who has been one of the positives of the preseason campaign thus far.

A long-term injury last season prevented the diminutive playmaker from making his mark on the club's title challenge.

But he seems to have returned with a hunger to impress the new manager and to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Oriol Romeu

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Oriol Romeu was the second summer signing made by Villas-Boas and he represents the future of the club's midfield.

The longtime Porto target has been brought up in the same vein as midfield greats like Xavi and Iniesta.

The Barcelona academy has long been famed for its ability to churn out world class players and Villas-Boas' long-term pursuit of Romeu should indicate his potential.

The fact that he was signed after Essien's injury also suggest that he might have a first team role to play next season.

Joao Moutinho

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Chelsea has long been a club full of egos and renowned for its player power, and Villas-Boas’ limited managerial experience and tender age may make it difficult for him to earn the respect of a squad that has worked with the best coaches in the world.

Key to his success, however, will be how quickly he can weed out the dead weight from Ancelotti’s tenure and build a new squad in his own image that will fit into his fluid, attacking style of football.

That may well mean getting rid of Yury Zhirkov, Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda, all players that have shown inconsistency and have lacked the necessary passion in the big games.

He needs to sign young players hungry for recognition on a larger stage.

One such player would be Joao Moutinho, who gave Porto their creative spark in 2010/11 and helped Villas Boas' team to four trophies.

What better way for the new manager to establish his control and authority immediately than to bring in one of his own?