Take Xavi out of Barca - they basically play the same way but lack killer balls/touch. Take Essien out of Chelsea - they lose their shape, lose their drive and lose their power. Xavi will always be applauded more because he's the one playing through the balls. Comparing the two is difficult though b/c they are, as drekkard said, very different players in their roles, the teams they play in and the requirements of their respective leagues.
I'll admit Liam Miller was probably a poor choice - the point of the comparison was that both have the vision and touch to split defences, but like alot of players in their role, can sometimes become a little anonymous. (Deco?)
Everything goes through Xavi because
they play through Xavi, not because he wins the ball or pushes them forward. Clearly this is because both Barca/Spain know how devastating he can be and give him the ball, but I will always be more inclined to give my respect to a player who can win his own ball, be a leader, cares about his club, AND play through the balls and strikes when he has to.
Xavi is the consummate professional. Essien is a footballer.
This is surely going to ruffle a few feathers as Im well aware my opinion is far from popular, so lets just agree to disagree.
People and barcelona...