Kudus one of the biggest talents in Ghana – Essien

Former Ghana international Michael Essien has sung praises of Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus saying he remains one of the biggest talents for the West African nation.

The 43-year-old former Chelsea player, who is currently an assistant coach at Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland, was giving his thoughts on Ghana’s preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana have been paired in Group L alongside CONCACAF representatives Panama and two Europeans England and Croatia for their fifth World Cup.

Ghana must protect Kudus

Asked to compare Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana, Essien told FIFA.com: “If I start talking about him [Kudus], we won’t finish!” he said with a smile. “I think he has showcased himself to the football world.

“He’s one of the biggest talents and for Ghana, he’s, our star. We have to protect him and give him all the love and confidence he needs.”

Essien added: “Sulemana is a great talent. I managed to see him here and he’s got a lot of qualities in him. He’s a good dribbler, he’s very fast, he’s quite strong. Hopefully he can bring that on board. He has to feel free and be himself when he’s on the pitch, then the rest will come.”

Several Ghanaian players are currently going through Essien’s hands among them Caleb Yirenkyi. Essien added: “I can only say good things about him,” he said.

“He’s such a hard-working guy. He’s very calm, very respectful, very quiet. He does his talking on the pitch and it’s good to see him doing very well for the team.

“He’s got his own style of play, but sometimes I see some glimpses that remind him of me when I was little. He always comes to me and asks questions and I try to give him the best advice and he takes it on board. Hopefully he can be a huge player in the future.”

Ghana in tough World Cup group

On Ghana’s World Cup group, Essien said: “That’s a tough group. But there’s always tough games to play, and it’s up to you to win them.

“They should take every game as it comes and do their best. It’s a tournament – anything can happen. You just have to make sure you win your games and keep moving. Let’s see what they can do.”

Kudus played an important role in the Black Stars qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but later suffered an injury which has sidelined him out of action for the national team and Tottenham Hotspur.

A product of Nordsjaelland, Kudus signed for £55m from West Ham last summer and had scored twice in 19 matches Premier League games for Tottenham before the injury.