Chelsea Legend’s Choices Spark Ghanaian Debate Over Essien’s Midfield Legacy
Introduction: A Challenge That Lit Up African Football Fans
In the age of viral football content, few games generate more passion and controversy than the popular “Start, Bench, Sell” challenge. This week, it was African football icon Didier Drogba who took center stage as he was put on the spot: choose between Michael Essien, Yaya Touré, and John Obi Mikel—three of Africa’s most dominant midfielders in the modern era.
What followed was a bold, unexpected answer that sent shockwaves through social media and stirred debate across Ghana sports news outlets.
🎥 Watch Drogba’s full reaction and the viral clip on Bangbet Football
As expected, Ghanaian fans had a lot to say after Drogba made his choices, especially regarding his decision on Michael Essien, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest-ever players.
Drogba’s Final Answer: The Startling Revelation
During a promotional shoot for a Champions League campaign, Drogba was asked:
“Between Michael Essien, Yaya Touré, and John Obi Mikel: who would you start, who would you Bench, and who would you sell?”
After a long pause and visible hesitation, Drogba finally answered:
- Start: Yaya Touré
- Bench: Michael Essien
- Sell: John Obi Mikel
🗣️ “This is very hard. They are all my brothers. But based on football and style, I’d start Yaya. Essien… he was a monster, but I have to bench him. Sorry, Mikel,” Drogba said.
📲 Join the debate and see fan reactions on Bangbet News – Ghana Sports
🇬🇭 Ghana’s Reaction: Mixed Feelings, National Pride
The moment Drogba said, “Bench Michael Essien,” social media in Ghana exploded. Many felt Drogba was entitled to his opinion, but others argued that Essien deserved the starting spot over anyone.
@Essien4Life (X):
“Essien benched? Come on, Drogba. When Chelsea needed a war general, it was Essien who stepped up. Yaya was brilliant, but Essien was fire.”
@AccraMidfieldWatch:
“Let’s not forget—Essien dominated La Liga AND the Premier League. Played CB, RB, CM, anywhere.”
@SportsGhana247:
“Respect to Drogba. But for me, it’s Start Essien, Bench Yaya, and Sell Mikel. No hard feelings.”
🎯 Cast your votes in Bangbet’s own “Start-Bench-Sell” fan poll inside the Football section
Career Breakdown: Stats and Legacy
Let’s look at the midfield trio’s career highlights side-by-side.
| Player | Michael Essien | Yaya Touré | John Obi Mikel |
| Country | Ghana | Ivory Coast | Nigeria |
| Clubs | Chelsea, Real Madrid | Man City, Barcelona | Chelsea, Stoke City |
| UCL Titles | 1 (Chelsea, 2012) | 1 (Barcelona, 2009) | 1 (Chelsea, 2012) |
| National Titles | 2 (France), 2 (England) | 2 (Spain), 3 (England) | 2 (England), AFCON 2013 |
| AFCON Titles | 0 | 1 (2015) | 1 (2013) |
| Ballon d’Or Rankings | 22nd (2007) | 12th (2009) | N/A |
| Positions Played | CM, DM, RB, CB | CM, CAM, DM | DM, CM |
Essien’s versatility and ability to dominate physical duels made him one of Chelsea’s most important players in their golden era. However, Touré’s creative playmaking and goalscoring prowess—especially at Manchester City—earned him higher Ballon d’Or rankings and more individual accolades.
🧠 Want to test your football IQ? Predict winners and lineups on Bangbet sports Football
What Experts Are Saying
Kwabena Yeboah, Ghanaian football analyst:
“Essien was a complete midfielder—power, stamina, technical ability. I understand Drogba, but from a Ghanaian perspective, Michael is irreplaceable.”
Garth Crooks, BBC pundit:
“Yaya Touré was the best midfielder in the Premier League for three years straight. But in terms of work rate and big game performances, Essien stands tall.”
Samson Adjei, JoySports:
“This debate is healthy. It shows the world how rich Africa’s midfield legacy is.”
📰 More expert columns and opinion pieces can be found on Bangbet Ghana News
The African Midfield Debate: Who’s the GOAT?
Drogba’s answer revived another popular debate: Who is the greatest African midfielder of all time?
Most common names mentioned include:
- Michael Essien (GHA)
- Yaya Touré (CIV)
- Abedi Pele (GHA)
- Jay-Jay Okocha (NGA)
- Thomas Partey (GHA)
- John Obi Mikel (NGA)
While Touré boasts better individual awards, Essien’s positional flexibility, tactical intelligence, and leadership make him a strong contender. Ghanaian football fans continue to campaign for Essien to be remembered alongside Abedi Pele as the best the country has produced.
Start, Bench, Sell – The Fans’ Verdict
Bangbet launched a fan version of Drogba’s challenge. Here are the first 5,000 results:
| Option | Percentage |
| Start Essien | 54% |
| Start Touré | 38% |
| Start Mikel | 8% |
| Sell Mikel | 62% |
| Bench Touré | 45% |
| Bench Essien | 41% |
Add your vote today in the Start-Bench-Sell poll on Bangbet
Sports Betting Perspective: Who’d You Bet On?
Fans often factor legacy and form into their sports betting decisions. Midfield battles like these—hypothetical or real—affect player props and fantasy predictions.
If these three were playing today, punters would have options like:
- Who scores/assists more?
- Who completes more passes?
- Who gets subbed first?
🎰 Play smarter with player-focused bets and jackpots at Bangbet
Enjoy More Sports Categories
Explore diverse sports betting opportunities with Bangbet:
- Virtual Football – Simulated games 24/7
- Basketball – NBA, FIBA, EuroLeague
- Tennis – Grand Slams & ATP
- Table Tennis – Real-time betting
- Volleyball – International and local markets
Final Word: Drogba’s Honesty Rekindles Midfield Legacy Talk
Drogba didn’t mean to offend—his words simply reflected the immense talent Africa has produced. But it was a reminder of how Michael Essien’s contributions continue to stir emotion, especially in Ghana.
Whether you’re Team Essien, Team Yaya, or Team Mikel, this debate isn’t just about football—it’s about identity, national pride, and the enduring legacies of African greats.
📣 Make your voice count!
⚽ Place your predictions, vote in polls, and enjoy the best of African football with Bangbet Football—the trusted home for sports news, sports betting, and Ghana football updates.