Michael Essien ready to play as make-shift left back

Real Madrid midfielder Michael Essien says he is ready to step in at left-back again if it is for the good of the team.

The former Chelsea man was moved to the left hand side of boss Jose Mourinho’s defence against Celta Vigo to compensate for the absences through injury of Marcelo, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao.

It is something Essien is prepared to do in this week’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund if it benefits the team.

“I’m happy to play anywhere if Mourinho wants me to,” he insisted in an interview with AS. “I always work hard and I’ll sacrifice myself if it helps us get three very important points.

“It’s going to be a tough game in a difficult stadium but we have the players to beat them, although we must all be at our best.”

Reflecting on the 2-0 win over Celta at the weekend, Essien said it was extremely important to have taken all three points.

“At this point I think every game is important for us. We got the three points and that’s something we are very happy about.

“It’s always strange to play in a different position but Mourinho asked me to do it and I knew I could.”