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Ghana defender Daniel Opare is backing Michael Essien to be an instant hit at Spanish giants Real Madrid. The 29-year-old joined the Santiago Bernabeau side on a season-long loan after enduring a frustrating start to the English Premiership at Chelsea. The former Lyon has shaken off three recurrent injuries which took a toll on his career and will hope to pick up the pieces quickly in a Madrid shirt. Opare, who played for the Madrid youth team after his exploits with the national Under-17 team is confident his compatriots can make the grades. �Essien is a player with a fantastic mentality and I have no doubt in my mind he will return to the top at Madrid,� Opare said �Mourinho brought him to Chelsea and so if he is the one who required for his services that should be good news. �In football, if the coach likes you, then you are assured of playing regularly. And since Mourinho likes him, he will give him more playing time.� Essien could be in line for his debut for Madrid when they travel to Sevilla after international break on September 15.