Chelsea fans heap praises on Michael Essien for his performance against Arsenal via Twitter

Chelsea defeated Arsenal in the League cup [Capital One] on Tuesday night, in the round of 16, to progress to the next phase of the competition with Michael Essien, the captain on the night for the Blues. Michael Essien made his second appearance for Chelsea when they traveled to defeat their city rivals Arsenal by 2-0. The Ghana midfielder lasted the entire duration of the game, in midfield, together with Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and other fringe Chelsea stars as the first team was apparently rested. The 30 year-old midfield dynamo was handed the captain arm-band just like the previous round in same competition against Swindon Town where he made his first season appearance. Spaniard amigos: Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata's goals ,saw the Blues brush the Gunners aside. Michael Essien played a crucial role in the game per the following stats and subsequently was hailed by Chelsea fans on Twitter: Essien played all 90 minutes, touching the ball more times (79) than any of his fellow Chelsea midfielders. His 64 passes was more than any other player in the team, at an accuracy of 91 per cent. He won one tackle and 3 interceptions. "Essien was amazing!!! Good to see yet another big team beat Arsenal!!! #CFC— Benjamin Bell" , "Essien is old but he still out-muscled the young & agile Arsenal midfielders. CLASS IS PERMANENT #CFC— Shoggy Dee" , "Don't get me started on Wilshire, non existent... Dominated by Essien who is probably only 50% the player he once was #overrated #cfc #afc— Pel (@el_peligrino)". "Essien bossed the midfield tonight. Give him another look, Jose. #cfc— Nick Verlaney" , "Mikel and Essien played well together. Covered the back 4 so well in the game just now. #CFC— Johan Ikhlas" , "Mata getting the plaudits but Nigeria/Ghana combination of Mikel Obi & Essien were superb. Overpowered Ramsey & Wilshere in midfield. #CFC— John Bennett".

Has Africa still got the men for FIFA Ballon d'or ?

Yaya Toure was the only African player shortlisted by the world's football governing body, FIFA, for this year's prestigious Ballon d'or (World's best footballer). Unlike previous years where Africa could boast of at least, two or more players from the continent nominated for the award, this year featured only one; before a final voting session would pick the final three out of the nominated 23 for the award. Let's take a look at the past, present and future of African soccer stars in relation to this award to see if Africa's still got the men. THE PAST: Gone were the days when Africa had players like Ghana's soccer maestro, Abedi Ayew 'Pele' who won loads of laurels with Marseille back in France but had little or no chance to be included in this fame because of the 'exclusion' of African players from this noble award. Players from the continent of Africa, formed the core of clubs in Europe subsequently, until the award was finally given to a certain Liberian by name George Oppong Weah in 1995 who played for AC Milan. He once did an unthinkable in footballing history as he dribbled from end to end of the field and scored a sublime goal. The era of Samuel Eto'o Fils who was once 3rd best of this award as well as Didier Drogba and Michael Essien also came by. They were constant nominees for this award though they hardly made the final three. THE PRESENT: As stated earlier, this year featured Yaya Toure who even though played an integral part for his Manchester based club, Manchester City, had little or no trophy to brag about ,following their community shield cup success over Chelsea early last season. Eyebrows have being raised about the future of African players who are touted to be world-class yet gradually fading into the skies. There are doubts if individual magicians from this part of the world could storm the global scene yet again in terms of soccer. THE FUTURE: Amidst the suddenly yet gradual decline of the quality of African talents at the world stage, there are still quite a few that leaves the African fan, something to smile about. Though it may not be soon, but it may not be too far to see some Africans rise again to the world stage especially with players like Pierre Emerick Aubemeang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund, Andre 'Dede' Ayew of Ghana and Marseille, Mohammed Salah of FC Basel and Egypt as well as Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus and Ghana fame. Lest I forget, Victor Wanyama of Kenya and Southampton. 'Ceteris parabus', these boys, even at their tender ages have established themselves uniquely for both club and national side. If consistency remains their hallmark then why not? Africa will soon have loads of nominees for subsequent years' FIFA Ballon d'or.