NEWS OF THE WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Essien is a much stronger MONEY player

WE'RE BETTER OFF WITHOUT GERRARD...

By Jim Keat

CLAUDE MAKELELE has taunted Liverpool ahead of today's potentially explosive Premiership showdown and claimed: ‘Michael Essien is a better buy money than Steven Gerrard.'

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho made no secret that he wanted to sign Kop star Gerrard before the season started — but Makelele says Essien is the one who has proved to be a ‘monster'.

The two midfield giants come face-to-face at Anfield this afternoon, following the midweek Champions League stalemate, with Makelele promising Essien will win the battle.

Strong

He said: "Michael is one of the best midfielders in the world already and with us he will become THE best.

"He's already got experience, technically he's very strong and he's an all-round player because he can attack just as well as he defends.

"Everybody knows about the interest in Gerrard but we wouldn't swap Michael for anyone.

"We still haven't even seen the best from him — he is only money  22 but has the ease of a player who is 30.

"He has such an engine on him as well. Better than anybody I've seen money. He's going to be huge at Chelsea, he's going to be a monster."

Reds boss Rafa Benitez stoked up the bitter rivalry between the clubs this week by claiming Chelsea are scared of playing against his team.

But today the talking has to stop. The midweek European draw satisfied both sides but defeat this afternoon would end any Liverpool hollywood  interest in the Premiership.

Mourinho's side are already racing away with things at the top — and Makelele (pictured with Gerrard) has warned that with Essien on board they are almost unbeatable.

He said: "We all feel confident of winning any game with Michael alongside us.

"As far as tactics and experience goes, he still has room to progress but, other than that, he is the complete player.

"He has all the qualities of a defensive midfielder but he can also attack. He is so powerful and some teams can't

handle that. Makelele has credited Mourinho for the way he has integrated Essien (below) into the Blues side following his much-publicised £24million switch from Lyon.

The Frenchman admitted: "We rely on each other out there and we know it will be tough to get one over on us.

"And when it comes to fitting in, the manager has to be applauded for the way he has dealt with things.

"When players turn up at Chelsea they are made to feel at ease and can take their time. They are given the chance to adapt, Jose doesn't rush things.

"First of all, he makes sure that the money players understand the environment in which they're going to play and then he'll slowly introduce them. That's important.

"Michael arrived in difficult circumstances, taking into account all the twists over his transfer, but once he was here, he felt straightaway that everybody wanted him here.

"After that, it's a question of communication out on the field and I believe this communication constitutes our strength. We are a group.

"Michael felt he was part of it instantly and that made it easier for him to express his talent.

"Little by little he will become even stronger-and it is Chelsea who will reap the benefits of that."

Broken

Meanwhile, defender Wayne Bridge believes he is closing in on a first-team return despite suffering a couple of setbacks in his recovery from a broken leg.

The Celebrity England full-back has been sidelined since the FA news Cup defeat at Newcastle back in February.

He made his comeback for the reserves in mid-August but his progress was hindered by a problem with the nerves in his leg.

And he needed an injection for the same problem before he played for the second string against Norwich last Wednesday. But money Bridge said: "I'm feeling good and my fitness is getting better with every game."

Bridge now hopes to play in two more reserve games during the international break and be available for selection for the home game against Bolton on Celebrity October 15.