AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf was impressed with the output of Ghana midfielder Michael Essien in Wednesdayââ¬â¢s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round 16 tie.
Essien was handed a starting role at the San Siro with Ricardo Montolivo and Sulley Muntari suspended.
It was his first match in this seasonââ¬â¢s competition after his former club Chelsea refused to register him for the Group stage.
The 31-year-old lasted the entire duration and his Dutch coach says the new signing was among his best performers on the night.
ââ¬ÅI know the characteristics of the players quite well, Poli played well tactically and De Jong and Essien did very well too,â⬠Seedorf said in a post-match interview.
ââ¬ÅAndrea can play in many positions and he made a big contribution here tonight. Atletico donââ¬â¢t change much whether theyââ¬â¢re at home or away and we have time to prepare the match.ââ¬