Daniel Pappoe says he has the perfect mentor in Michael Essien to help him achieve success at Colchester United this season.
The 19-year-old central defender is on a six-month loan spell at the Uââ¬â¢s from Premier League giants Chelsea.
Pappoe is the latest of a string of talented top-flight youngsters to have spent time with Joe Dunneââ¬â¢s squad.
And he revealed his close bond with fellow Ghanian and Chelsea team-mate Michael Essien is helping inspire him, during his time in north Essex.
Pappoe said: ââ¬ÅIââ¬â¢m really close to Michael Essien and I really look up to him.
ââ¬ÅHeââ¬â¢s like an older brother to me and when Iââ¬â¢m at home, Iââ¬â¢m always with him and I speak to him all the time.
ââ¬ÅHe knows every game that I play and he takes an interest in my game.ââ¬
Pappoe will be pushing for a place in Dunneââ¬â¢s all-important starting line-up for Colchesterââ¬â¢s League One curtain-raiser at Gillingham, on Saturday.