Essien is considered as one of the best players to ever grace the English game, having signed for Chelsea in 2005 from French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais.
He made over 160 appearances in the Premier League for the Blues, and won two league titles during his time in West London.
Partey made a switch to Arsenal in the summer transfer window from Atletico Madrid and has arrived with a huge reputation.
The 27-year-old has shown glimpses of what to expect from him in few games in the Arsenal jersey.
“He’s a fantastic midfielder,” Partey told Arsenal.com about his compatriot.
“He fights for every ball, he’s a great legend. For me, he’s one of the best midfielders that we’ve ever had in Africa.”
“I think we’ve all seen what he has done at Chelsea, what he has done for the Black Stars and for me, he’s my idol.”
“I grew up watching Michael Essien, Muntari, the Ayew brothers – they are the people I look up to and they made a lot of impact on Ghanaians. I think this is my moment and I have to make sure I take it.”
“Now most of the young guys are looking up to me and I think I have to do my best to make sure I get them to support this great family [at Arsenal].”
“When they support me, they’re going to feel good when they see us play,” he added.
