Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has lauded ex-Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien, describing him as a player who was largely underrated.

Essien played for Premier League side, Chelsea, between 2005 and 2013. He featured in 256 games scoring 25 times and providing 20 assists,

Neville, who faced the Ghanaian on several occasions in the English top flight, believes the midfielder was one player who never received the praises he deserved.

"A player that played at a top Premier League club and didn’t get the plaudits of others was Michael Essien at Chelsea in those first two or three years. The impact he had on that team, from his running ability, the energy from midfield, balancing of Frank, I thought Essien was a brilliant player," Neville said.

Essien joined AC Milan in 2014 after leaving the west London side.