Ghanaian teenager Caleb Yirenkyi has heaped praise on Black Stars legend Michael Essien, crediting the former Chelsea midfielder for his impactful role as assistant coach at Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.
Yirenkyi, 19, described Essien as an influential figure whose experience and personality continue to inspire and guide the club’s young talents.
“He can coach, impact everyone and anyone. He is very important for us. We learn a lot from him,” Yirenkyi told 3Sports. “The team is very grateful to have such a guy. He is very good to everyone and the way he carries himself, I think is very nice that we learn a lot from him.”
Essien joined Nordsjaelland’s technical team in 2023 and has since become a key mentor within a club widely respected for its commitment to youth development—an ethos aligned with the Right to Dream Academy, which produced both Yirenkyi and several other promising African players.
With a career that saw him play under elite managers like Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, Essien brings invaluable knowledge and professionalism to the dressing room. His presence at Nordsjaelland has been especially beneficial for rising stars like Yirenkyi, who recently made his senior debut for Ghana during the Unity Cup clash with Nigeria.
Yirenkyi’s growth at Nordsjaelland and his smooth transition to the international stage underscore the impact of Essien’s mentorship and the nurturing environment at the Danish club.
