Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is excited about the preseason form of midfielder Michael Essien.

Mourinho said: "Michael was one of the best players last season but for bad reasons he was playing as a central defender. He is the kind of midfield player we need.

"Obviously this season we need to play with people wide, maybe with one less man in midfield, and for that we need him.

"Against Club America last Saturday I think he showed his power and quality and I hope this season, with the protection we have in the back, that even with injuries we won't need to play him in defense.

"I look forward to it because I think the team is much more powerful, more dominant when Michael is playing in midfield."