Whilst Dimitar Berbatov claimed most of the headlines at the weekend following his stunning hat-trick against Liverpool, fit-again midfielder Michael Essien is making great strides in the race for the first player of the month title of the season.

The Chelsea star is back to his brilliant best after a season on the sidelines with a ligament injury, adding goals to his all-round powerful midfield play. Having the big man back must feel like buying a new £20m player.

Whilst Essien, along with the likes of Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda, has been one of the driving forces behind Chelsea’s storming, goal-laden start to their Premier League campaign, manager Carlo Ancelotti still wants to treat him with kid gloves.

“We missed him last year. His injury was very bad for us," Ancelotti said after said after Chelsea’s latest league victory. “His contribution was fantastic. We hope he stays fit because he is like a new signing for us...but he needs rest.”

Meanwhile, Essien – the man they call ‘The Bison’ for obvious reasons – has revealed how he had two trials with Manchester United as a teenager, but was considered too small. Hard to believe now.

"I think Sir Alex was looking for a certain type of player and I wasn't the one then,” says the Chelsea star, who is joined among the list of player of the month contenders by Gareth Bale, who has started this season where he finished last.

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