Essien said: “I am a midfielder now and I think like a midfielder. So when I play centre-back I often get forward more than I should and have to release the ball and get back.
“I try to attack the ball first. I remember when I was a kid they used to tell us we have to get the ball first and I have that in my mind all the time.
“I really enjoy anywhere I play and anytime I see any space I try to attack it and get something out of it.”
