Ghanaian and FC Nordsjaelland forward Prince Amoako Junior has lauded the impact of Michael Essien on his developing career.

The 18-year-old has sparked to life at Nordsjaelland after breaking into the first team at the start of the 2025/26 season.

Amoako Junior works closely with Essien, who is part of the technical staff at the Danish side, with the former praising the impact of the former Black Stars international.

"He (Michael Essien) has been a very big part of my development because whatever I want to achieve, he has done that — to play at Real Madrid, to win the Champions League," he told Joy Sports.

"He’s so down to earth. He loves to listen, loves to help and talk to you. It's just amazing to be with someone who has achieved everything that you want to go out there and achieve.

"You might as well take the best chance of it, talk to him and ask questions. He’s willing to help every time, so it means a lot to have someone like that every time."

Amoako Junior ranks top for the most goal contributions in the Danish Superliga for Nordsjaelland at the end of the first round, scoring five goals and setting up four others.