New Rennes signing Alexander Tettey has whetted the appetite of the club's fans by making comparisons between himself and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien. The former, who was born in Ghana but plays his international football for Norway, has completed his move to the Brittany club from Rosenborg on a four-year deal.

Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti has bought the 23-year-old as a direct replacement for Stephane M'Bia, who left this summer to join Marseille.

Supporters of Les Rouge et Noir will have heard of Tettey's burgeoning reputation, and will be even more upbeat after his assessment of his own attributes. "I am a defensive player but I can also score goals, as I have been able to do at Rosenborg," he told Rennes's official website.

"People say I have the same profile and the same qualities as Michael Essien, that's to say speed and power. "I hope to be able to play as quickly as possible so I can bring these qualities to the club."

Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi revealed the club had been looking at Tettey, who has played four times for Norway, for some time. "We have been following him for two seasons," Dreossi said.

"We know him well and have seen him a lot. Sweden and Norway are markets we really like because of the players' work ethic there. He has a profile that we were missing in our team."