England Legend Gary Neville Insists Former Ghana Star Was Massively Underrated

• Footballer-turned-pundit, Gary Neville says Michael Essien was underrated
• The former Ghanaian international helped Chelsea to multiple title victories
• Essien and Neville were fierce rivals in the Premier League in the mid-2000s

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has stated that ex-Ghana international Michael Essien did not get the plaudits he deserved during his time in the English Premier League.

The Black Stars legend was part of the Chelsea team that dominated the mid-2000s, forming a strong partnership with Frank Lampard in the heart of midfield.

In his nine years at Stamford Bridge, Essien won multiple Premier League titles as well as the 2012 UEFA Champions League.

Despite his exploits for the Blues, Neville believes the former Ghana player does not get a mention in England and is upset at this.

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"A player that played at a top Premier League club and didn't get the plaudits of others was Michael Essien at Chelsea in those first two or three years. The impact he had on that team, from his running ability, the energy from midfield, balancing of Frank, I thought Essien was a brilliant player," he said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, as quoted by GHANAsoccernet.

Essien and Neville faced off several times in the EPL and, famously, in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final.

The 40-year-old retired from football in 2019 and, these days works as the assistant manager of the Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.

Essien acquires coaching license

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Essien earning a coaching licence as he continues his journey in football after retirement.

The 40-year-old secured his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A certifications from the Welsh Football Association recently.

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Essien, who works as assistant manager of FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, shared his excitement at completing the courses.

Essien names three future stars

Former Chelsea midfielder Essien predicts a bright future for three African youngsters in Denmark, Sports Brief also reported.

The Ghanaian legend, who works as an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland, has named three players he thinks are future stars.

Nigerian journalist Lolade Adewuyi said Essien named Ernest Numah, Ibrahim Osman, and Mario Dorgeles as those to watch for.