Ex-Ghana star claims Essien is irreplaceable

Published on: 28 April 2010

Ex-Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey says Michael Essien is irreplaceable just days after former Ghana Football Association boss Dr Nyaho Tamakloe launched an astonishing attack on him.

The Chelsea ace is battling to be fit for the mundial in South Africa due to complications in the knee injury he sustained during the African Nations Cup in Angola.

Lamptey, dubbed the next Pele after winning the Golden Ball Award at the Fifa 1991 Under-17 World Cup finals, says Essien's absence, if confirmed, will be a big blow for the Black Stars.

"The absence of Essien will be a major blow to us since there is no player in my estimation who can match up to his qualities," Lamptey told Ghanasocernet.com

"There are few ones who might try to fit into his shoes, but if you want to be honest then you will agree with me that Essien stands tall among the  current crop of midfield players we have in the country’.

"We should just pray that by some dint of luck, he would be passed fit to play at the world cup. Because we will suffer without him and that is no joke."

Ghana play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D at the tournament.

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