 Essien says the arrival of Ballack does not worry him |
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien insists he is ready for the challenge of keeping his first-team spot at Chelsea. Essien was a regular for the English champions last season, but the arrival of Germany captain Michael Ballack puts his place at risk.
But the 23-year-old, who featured at the World Cup finals, intends to work hard to keep his spot.
"There will be more competition but it's up to us to work harder in training and to let the boss decide who will play.
"I'm not worried about the situation - I'm happy we have so many top-class players.
"As a young player I can only improve when I work with people like Ballack.
"He's a good player and there is more to come from me at Chelsea."
Essien, a signing from French club Lyon last season, was criticised in some quarters for his physical style last season.
His foul tackle on Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, during a Uefa Champions League match last December, landed him a two-match ban.
But Essien, who also criticised for challenges on Bolton's Tal Ben Haim and Arsenal's Lauren, believes the criticism was undeserved.
"I don't think I deserved to have my style looked at last year but it's forgotten. Hopefully this season will be different."
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