Essien will be successful at Madrid - Boateng

By Ameenu Shardow

Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has backed Michael Essien to be a hit at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Essien has sealed a season’s-long loan move to the nine-time European champions on transfer deadline day from Chelsea.

The 29-year-old’s move was made necessary following his limited first team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

However some concerns have also been raised as to whether the move will indeed serve its purpose by providing regular first team action for the ex Olympique Lyon enforcer at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But Essien’s national teammate Boateng who himself had his a move to Fulham on transfer deadline day hitting the rocks is adamant the 2006 BBC African Footballer of the Year will make the grade at Real Madrid.

“I think Michael (Essien) is going to do very very well there,” he said.

“He is a great player who has never been afraid to go in for the tackles. For sure he will succeed there.”

Essien is expected to rejoin the Ghana national team once he settles in and he regains his form at Real Madrid.