Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has highlighted the leadership qualities of Michael Essien and says the struggling champions could be missing the services of such key players.
Jose Mourinho's men have been struggling to find their best form this campaign, sitting 15th in the league after 13 games.
Drogba has suggested the absence of strong characters in the dressing room â including Ghana midfielder Michael Essien could be one of the reasons behind the club's recent difficulties.
âThere was Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, John Terry, myself, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Andriy Shevchenko, Claude Makelele - big names, big players and big characters.
âWe could take responsibility for a result and change the situation in bad moments such as when there was a change of manager or when we had bad results.
âThere was always someone to step up and say, 'Guys, we need to do something' and everybody would follow.
âJT is still there but on your own it is very difficult, so other players have to come up with this mentality.’