Felipe Scolari is understandably delighted by the news that Michael Essien has committed his future to Chelsea.

The midfield player, described by Scolari yesterday as, "one of the best in the world," has signed a new five-year deal.

This follows hot on the heels of keeper Petr Cech and defender Wayne Bridge committing their future's to Chelsea as well.

With the ongoing turmoil surrounding the will he or won't he transfer sagas of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, Scolari must take heart from the fact that a midfield of Deco, Ballack and Essien wouldn't be too bad!

It seems that the club are determined to keep the two superstars who have been linked with moves away throughout the close season. If they do manage to keep them, continue to extend the contracts of their best players and bring in any more players with the quality of Bosingwa and Deco, Scolari might just be looking at a pretty formidable squad of players.

With Scolari's record, don't bet against him talking the players into staying and leading Chelsea to next season's Premier League title.