Michael Essien: 3 Potential MLS Landing Spots

Since arriving at AC Milan from Chelsea in January, Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has failed to make much of an impact. Tuttosport , a Turin-based newspaper, is now reporting that Essien will be allowed to leave for another club in January for a free transfer.rnrnEssien has been heavily linked to a move to MLS, and while a club has yet to publicly express interest in the 31-year old, many clubs would jump at the opportunity to bring in a midfielder with his experience.rnrn[related-category]rnrnAfter departing Stamford Bridge in order to join AC Milan as a part of another free transfer, Essien has made just 12 Serie A appearances. In his prime, Essien was a key part of Chelsea’s success. In Brazil, he came on as a substitute for Ghana just once in their three group stage matches. Essien had his best season in terms of statistics in 2007-2008, tallying six goals and four assists in 23 Premier League starts for Chelsea.rnrnWith the painting on the wall, and AC Milan willing to let Essien walk for free, we turn our attention to which MLS clubs could be a good fit to bring in his services.rnrn[subscribe]rnrn rnrn rnrn 1.Chicago Fire rnrnChicago was thought to be one of the front-runners to land USMNT superstar Jermaine Jones. Unfortunately for Frank Yallop and company, that deal fell through, and Jones landed in New England. Seeing the impact that Jones had on the Revolution should only make them more determined to sign a player like Essien.rnrnCentral midfield is a glaring weakness in Chicago. While Jeff Larentowicz is solid in the middle of the park, he has never been a player to do anything to garner the attention of opposing defenses. When looking at all the playoff teams, each of them has a top-tier midfielder that dictates what they do offensively. Whether it’s Juninho for Los Angeles, Lee Nguyen for New England, or Peguy Luyindula for New York, each of them have a midfielder capable of dictating tempo as well as creating in the final third.rnrnEssien would bring some credibility to Chicago. For a roster that lacks a single big name, Essien would not only be a great addition on the pitch, but a signing of that caliber may potentially lure other quality players to the club. With young talent like Harry Shipp and Benji Joya, the experience of Essien could be extremely beneficial in their development.rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_376265" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Aug 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku (center) celebrates with Chelsea midfielder Marco Van Ginkle (16) and midfielder Frank Lampard (8) after scoring a goal against AS Roma during the second half at RFK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn 2. New York City FC rnrnAs scary as it may sound, it is a realistic possibility that Essien ends up in sky blue next season. With the additions of David Villa and Frank Lampard already, the squad surely has the star power necessary to make a playoff run, and they have yet to even play a match, or take part in the expansion draft for that matter.rnrnEssien and Lampard played together at Chelsea, and both excelled playing in the central midfield. That relationship could persuade Essien to lean to the Big Apple, and if that’s the case, beware of that partnership.rnrnAn MLS roster that includes Villa, Lampard, and Essien could be extremely dangerous in November if they can land the right role players. It’s hard to say much about how Essien would fit in with NYCFC’s roster before the expansion draft takes place. Regardless, a player of his quality, along with the already established chemistry between him and Lampard in midfield, is enough of a reason for Claudio Reyna and company to be intrigued.rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_376267" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Oct 25, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; The starting line up for the Colorado Rapids before the first half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]rnrn 3. Colorado Rapids rnrn“We are certainly going to bring in another Designated Player, without question,” club president Tim Hinchey told SB Nation. With that said, Colorado has already been linked to bringing an underachieving Arsenal player yet to be named, but with Essien being allowed to walk for free, adding both would certainly be beneficial to improving on their disappointing 2014 campaign.rnrnColorado actually has talent in the midfield in players such as Dillon Powers , Jose Mari , Dillon Serna , and Jared Watts . However, aside from Jose Mari, all of them lack experience. The addition of Essien could not only benefit the development of their youthful talent, but add depth, something the Rapids seriously lack.rnrnEvery club is always looking to improve their talent pool, especially in the midfield, and the opportunity to bring on a player of Essien’s caliber in a free transfer doesn’t come along every day. For a team trying to climb out of the cellar of MLS, an Essien-type move only makes sense.

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Michael Essien: 3 Potential MLS Landing Spots

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