Alex is delighted with Chelsea's capture of former Benfica midfielder Ramires.
Ramires, who finalised his £18.2million move from Benfica last week, has been described by Carlo Ancelotti as "the future for Brazil and Chelsea".
Alex believes the 23-year-old has a similar style to midfield powerhouse Essien, who has recently returned from a serious knee injury.
"I was talking with Jose Bosingwa and we were saying how Ramires is a lot like Michael Essien," Alex told the club's official website. "He's not as strong as Essien but he has the same style on the pitch.
"He goes forward very quickly, then he comes back and marks very well. He's a very good player.
"It's very important for me and the team that the midfielders go to shoot and arrive at the goal but then get back to mark. He's almost the same as Michael Essien like that, so I am expecting a lot of goals, which is important for us.
"He will get to play with Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard, we have a very good midfield group and he will do a great job for us."
