Former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has named Michael Essien and Yaya Touré as the African midfielders he most wishes he had played alongside during his career.

Okocha, widely regarded as one of the most skilful players Africa has produced, said creative players like him thrive when someone is willing to do the less glamorous defensive work.

“There are a few players like me who need somebody to do the dirty job for them,” Okocha said in an interview with Goal Africa.

He recalled the pleasure of sharing a pitch with Sunday Oliseh, the combative Nigerian midfielder known for his tireless work rate and tackling. Oliseh often did the ‘dirty job’ that allowed Okocha’s flair and vision to flourish for the Super Eagles.

Looking beyond those he played with, Okocha singled out two West African greats he would have loved as partners.

“I would have also loved to play with Michael Essien and Yaya Touré,” he revealed.

“For me, Yaya Touré was a complete midfield player, not just in an offensive sense. He also pressed and did a lot of defensive work, although he didn’t tackle like Essien or even Oliseh.”