United States coach Bruce Arena says his side will have to stop midfielder Michael Essien from dictating play when they take on Ghana in a make-or-break Group E clash.

Arena's side need to beat the Black Stars and hope Italy defeat the Czech Republic to earn a place in the last 16 and the US tactician believes that Chelsea schemer Essien has to be controlled.

He told reporters: "He is one of the best players of the tournament. He works both on offence and defence, passes a lot and sets up goals.

"He makes the difference between a good team and a very good team."

Meanwhile, Arena is hopeful that playmaker Landon Donovan will build on his impressive display in the 1-1 draw against Italy.

He told ussoccer.com: "Landon did things against Italy that I've never seen him do before.

"He demonstrated to the world, and more importantly his team-mates, that he is a great player in any kind of game.

"I believe in Landon. I think he is a great player.

"He's still 24 years old - it's not like he's been through the wars and fully developed at the international level. He's got a lot of great years ahead of him."