Former Ghana star Michael Essien has been rated Chelsea’s second best African footballer of all times in the English Premier League by ESPN.

Former Ivory Coast skipper and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba emerged the most influential African in the EPL for Chelsea.

Michael Essien who overcame a mixed start to life at Chelsea, when his £24.4 million transfer fee raised some eyebrows and his overzealous tackling provoked the ire of opposition fans, became a bonafide great at Stamford Bridge.

Essien was a two-time Premier League champion with the Blues and also lifted the FA Cup on four occasions, making him one of the most decorated Ghanaians in the game.

Ultimately, injuries limited the Bison's contribution and it's tantalising to imagine what he could have become had it not been for significant spells on the sidelines.

Nonetheless, Essien clinched the Champions League in 2012 -- albeit as an unused substitute -- and it was a fitting honour for such an explosive talent.

Nigeria John Obi Mikel came third while Geremi Njitab and Solomon Kalou followed fourth and fifth respectively.