World Flop Edition 2 : Michael Essien.

In World Flops edition, we will discuss some players who used to be World Class but then declined so suddenly OR gradually. We will discuss the reasons behind their decline, and what contributed towards making one of the BEST on the planet, becoming so average?

This time we look at MICHAEL ESSIEN

According to you, what led to his demise? Was thought to be the BEST classic defensive midfielder in the world just 2-3 seasons ago, with a price tag of 40 Mil, but what happened ?

Questions to take into consideration:

1) When did the downward spiral really begin?
2) What was the biggest reason he lost the skills he had in 2005-10?
3) Why did he never recover? Or will he recover???
4) Was he over hyped??? how GOOD was he at his PEAK???

Please give constructive replies, and not just few words, but give your full view. thanks

Injuries. Very simple.

A perfect example on how injuries can destroy a player reliant on his physical ability.

I don't think he was over hyped.. however there was too much false hope for him to bounce back and get back to the level he used to be.

unfair thread IMO. as gigity said it's only an injury thing and it also came late in his career... always liked him

what type of injury and how did it affect him.

When was he considered the best classic defensive midfielder? Are you sure you haven't confused Essien with Makelele?

He has always been a B2B imo. So right off the bat it looks like you have misjudged him.

And what is the deal with throwing the flop label at him? What has he done to deserve this? He is a 35 year old man ( ) coming to the end of his career that has been a bit hindered by injuries and imo has done well at Madrid. I know for a fact he has exceeded most fans' expectations.

Real Kandahar wrote:what type of injury and how did it affect him.

Injuried before AFCON 2010 . Ghana made him play and the injury got so much worse that he missed the rest of the season world cup. Then he came back the season after but also missed 2 months .
Back then, he said that he thought his career was over ...

Injuries really hinder players like Essien , Viera , etc...