Michael Kojo Essien (born 3 December 1982) is a Ghanaian footballer who currently plays for Indonesian club Persib Bandung. He has also played for the Ghana national team more than 50 times. He is a physically strong midfielder who has often been touted as a box-to-box midfielder for his ability to exert energy in supporting offensive and defensive play and for his powerful and tough tackling playing style which has earned him the nickname "The Bison". Essien can also play as a defender, both on the right of defence and in the centre.