Former Ghana international Michael Essien has thrown his full support behind Kamaldeen Sulemana, describing the winger as a special talent and urging him to express himself ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sulemana, 24, has endured a challenging campaign with Atalanta BC, registering two goals and one assist in 23 Serie A appearances. Despite his struggles at club level, Essien remains convinced the winger has the qualities to make a major impact on the global stage.
With just two months to the World Cup, the former Chelsea FC midfielder—who represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 tournaments—believes confidence and freedom will be key to unlocking Sulemana’s full potential.
“Sulemana is a great talent. I managed to see him here and he’s got a lot of qualities in him,” Essien said.
“He’s a good dribbler, he’s very fast, he’s quite strong. Hopefully he can bring that on board. He has to feel free and be himself when he’s on the pitch, then the rest will come.”
Sulemana was recently included in Ghana’s squad for the pre-World Cup friendlies against Austria and Germany during the March international window, as preparations intensify for the Mundial.
