Latest news with #MichaelEssien
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Essien and Shevchenko arrive as new League Icon Cards in EA FC Mobile
EA FC Mobile has rolled out two new League Icon cards, Michael Essien and Andriy Shevchenko, available from the updated League Exchanges. The announcement was officially made by EA Sports' social media representatives "Antwan" and "Tak" on EA FC Mobile's YouTube channel. These high-profile additions, available from July 10, 2025, from the in-game store, aim to reward dedicated players accumulating League Tokens by winning League tournaments and completing League quests, and from League season rewards. But while Shevchenko delivers solid value, Essien's card leaves much to be desired. Let's break down both cards to help you decide where your precious League Tokens are best spent. EA FC Mobile's new League Icon cards, Essien and Shevchenko: Stats, price, and more Following are the stats and complete details of the two latest League Exchange cards, available from the EA FC Mobile store. 1. Michael Essien (CDM) – League Limited Player (30,000 Tokens) Michael Essien enters as a 108 OVR CDM League Limited Player Icon, priced at 30,000 League Tokens. Known during his playing days for bulldozing runs and thunderous long-range goals, the card somehow misses the mark in replicating that iconic impact. Key Stats: Pace: 105 Shooting: 94 Passing: 101 Dribbling: 107 Defending: 118 Physical: 115 Despite strong 115 physicality and elite 118 defending, Essien's disappointing 94 shooting is a major letdown. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo For a player remembered for net-busting screamers, this stat feels like an oversight. Compounding this issue is his 3-star Skill Move, which makes him a less versatile option for dynamic playstyles in the midfield. In a meta where plenty of CDMs offer both power and flair, like TOTS Beckenbauer, TOTS Rijkaard, Inferno Vieira, Legacy Pirlo, or even high-rated live player cards like TOTS Joao Neves and TOTS Rice, spending 30,000 League Tokens on Essien for a starter doesn't seem like the wisest move. The hefty League Token count will be pretty expensive even if this limited League item is considered to be fodder. 2. Andriy Shevchenko (ST) – League Limited Star Player (60,000 Tokens) In contrast, Andriy Shevchenko's 110 OVR ST Icon card is a far more appealing addition, available for 60,000 League Tokens. This League Limited Star Player impresses on multiple fronts and is well-suited for anyone needing a reliable striker while grinding toward even bigger cards. Key Stats: Pace: 121 Shooting: 127 Passing: 96 Dribbling: 116 Defending: 46 Physical: 108 Shevchenko's 127 Shooting and 121 Pace make him an elite option for any attack, and his 4-star Skill Moves and 4-star Weak Foot give him the flexibility to operate in tight spaces or finish from either foot. Add to that 4.5-star stamina, and you've got a player who can lead the line from kickoff to final whistle. Compared to the last League Limited Star Player Icon, Gerd Müller, Shevchenko boasts comparatively superior pace, dribbling, and versatility. For players eyeing top-tier attackers like 111 OVR Puskás from the Ragnarok event or future event-based strikers, Shevchenko's new League Limited Star item stands out as an ideal stopgap option who can hold his own while you grind. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic transfer bulletin as Nicolas Kuhn sees exit chance take dramatic twist and Rodgers reveals A-list Nygren approval
Kuhn is in demand this summer after a prolific season in Glasgow's East End Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn has seen one of his suitors agree a deal for an alternative target. Former Bayern Munich man Kuhn is said to be on Serie A side Como's radar following their successful 10th place finish in Italy's top tier last season in their first year back in the big time since 2002. Kuhn netted 21 goals in all competitions for the Hoops, including a brace against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, and the Bundesliga club are also said to be weighing up an approach for the 25-year-old, who the Hoops are said to value at £17million. But reports in Italy say Como's search for a new wide man has taken them elsewhere. Cesc Fabregas' side are also pursuing AZ Alkmaar star Jayden Addai and a €14million deal has been verbally agreed to take the Dutch youngster to Lombardy. Addai is now on his way to Italy for a medical, with an official announcement on the transfer expected soon. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has revealed he sought out ex Chelsea star Michael Essien before sealing a deal for Sweden star Benjamin Nygren. The Irishman worked alongside the Ghana legend during his spell as a youth coach at Stamford Bridge and says he spoke to the FC Nordsjælland number two to get some insight on the £1.5million signing. Speaking to Celtic TV, he said: "I was in contact with a friend of mine there who was a top midfield player, Michael Essien. Michael works there and he spoke really, really highly of Benjamin. "I know, having spoken to him (Nygren) and seen him play, he's a leader on the pitch and he produces in terms of the goals he scores, what he creates." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers opens up on deal for ‘talented youngster' after tip-off by Chelsea legend
BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed Chelsea great Michael Essien told him to sign Benjamin Nygren. The Celtic boss snapped up the Sweden star from Nordsjaelland in a bargain £2million deal. 4 Benjamin Nygren in action for Sweden Credit: Alamy 4 Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers Credit: PA 4 Former Chelsea star Michael Essien now at Nordsjaelland Credit: AFP Essien is No2 at the Danish club and gave his old Stamford Bridge pal a glowing reference on Nygren. Rodgers said: 'Benjamin is a guy who has really grown and developed. 'He was a really talented youngster and made a move that didn't quite work out, but has done well at Nordsjaelland. 'I was in contact with a friend of mine there who was a top midfielder - Michael Essien. 'He works at the club and spoke really highly of Benjamin.' Celtic also completed a deal for Fulham kid Callum Osmand this week and Rodgers has high hopes for the 19-year-old. He said: 'He wants to be part of a first-team set up where he can grow and develop. 'This is what our environment is built for. He's an exciting young talent and was coveted by a number of teams.' Celtic had earlier brought Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan back to the club and believes having that Scottish core is crucial. He said: 'The players who have come through the system here are so important. Celtic fans would never let their club die says Hoops hero Peter Grant 'They understand the values of Celtic and, for me, they should always be at the heart of the club. 'That's why it was important to bring back guys like Kieran and Ross, because they play such a huge part in keeping the culture that's created here. 'For Kieran, I'm absolutely delighted. We're getting a top player back. 'Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career, but we're getting Kieran at 27 years of age. 'I was with him during the summer so I know first-hand how excited he is to be here. 'And it's great for Ross to be back. He was here during my first spell and he left to go and gain experience. 'He's an international goalkeeper now. He answered the call and got his cap, which is absolutely brilliant. 'I know where his heart is and I know that in bringing him back here, he'll make a real good contribution in that goalkeeper department for us.' 4 Celtic start their pre-season games against Queen's Park on Friday and Rodgers is already thinking of the August Champions League play-off. He told Celtic TV: 'In the early stages, it's really about the physical preparation and getting the players prepared mentally. 'We saw the benefits of a really good pre-season last year. 'Pre-season is always a tense and difficult period when you're one of the big clubs because there are no pre-season friendlies. "I always call them tests. When you're a big club they're never friendlies. 'Then you add in to that the qualification for the Champions League. 'That means that you're trying to get to the end point that little bit quicker, because it's something that's very important to us. 'So we'll take that last qualification round when it comes and hopefully we'll be in a really good place by that time.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🎥 OTD 2009: Iniesta magic sends Barcelona to UCL final
Barcelona will hope for a smoother outcome in their Champions League second-leg semi-final clash against Inter on Tuesday compared to the nail-biting finale at Stamford Bridge 16 years ago. The Blaugrana's European charge towards the final was temporarily halted by a stubborn Chelsea in the semi-final, who held Pep Guardiola's outfit to a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou. Barça's chances of securing a second Champions League title in four seasons were then dealt a huge blow when Michael Essien put Chelsea in front early in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Yet, with a star-studded lineup, quality was never far away and Lionel Messi jinked into the box in the final minute and teed up Andrés Iniesta to curl into the top corner. This was May 6, 2009. Today is May 6, 2025. — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 6, 2025 Hansi Flick's Barcelona head to the San Siro locked 3-3 on aggregate with Inter and will hope to take some inspiration from Messi, Iniesta and co from that memorable night in London. 📸 Jamie McDonald - 2009 Getty Images
