Franck Kessié, an Ivorian very comfortable in the middle
Franck Kessié (center), facing Naples.
AFP / Archives
Text by: Farid Achache Follow
4 min
AC Milan, currently leading the Italian Championship, has the opportunity to qualify this Thursday, December 3 for the round of 16 of the Europa League against Celtic Glasgow.
The Lombard club should once again rely on the Ivorian Franck Kessié, who has become indispensable in the midfield
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Of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to AC Milan is a success.
The Swede, top scorer in Serie A, is currently the head of the gondola of the Lombard club.
But that's without forgetting the fantastic work of a certain Franck Kessié.
The Ivorian international shines in the middle of the field with the Algerian Ismaël Bennacer, African champion, and named best player at the CAN 2019.
If Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in the light, others must come out of the shadows.
After the draw conceded by AC Milan against Hellas Verona (2-2) on Sunday, November 9, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed his third penalty since the start of the season, had confided that he could let Franck Kessié shoot the next.
"
I must lead by example
"
Arrived in 2017 from Atalanta, Franck Kessié today has a very high performance.
“The President”, his nickname, excels in this two-man environment with a tactical intelligence, and a great ability to win duels.
Today, he is one of the pillars of Stefano Pioli's plan.
And Milan should soon give him a contract extension beyond 2022.
"
I am already a veteran of the team and I must lead by example
", declared Franck Kessié last October.
“
Wearing this jersey is an honor as well as a responsibility.
We represent millions of fans around the world and we all work hard every day to bring AC Milan back to their place
.
»At 23, Franck Kessié knows the history of his club and knows that a certain George Weah put the Milanese on the front of the stage in the 90s. Weah is still the only African player to have won the Ballon d 'However, in 1995, with the Milan of the time.
The Italian suits him very well
Without a trophy since the Italian Super Cup in 2016 and, above all, without a league title since 2011, will AC Milan experience a new peak with Kessié?
"
We do not set any limits,
" replied the person to BBC Sport Africa.
The one who was trained at Stella Club d'Adjamé, where he made his professional debut, adds: “
We are on the right track and we must continue to work like this.
"
Arrived very young in Italy, Franck Kessié had been loaned by Atalanta to Cesena in Serie B. He scored 4 goals in 37 games and allowed the club to play the play-offs for the rise in Serie A. Back from ready, he is ready to play in the big leagues.
During his first eight meetings, he scored 5 goals and delivered an assist!
He can then join AC Milan with a good reputation.
In an interview with Sky Sport, Galliano, former club president, praised Kessié and Bennacer: “
I'm happy for Pioli: with his 4-2-3-1, he managed to change the team thanks to Bennacer and Kessie.
These two players have nothing to do with those who came through the midfield before them.
"
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