Player Analysis: Franck Kessié

Franck Kessié left his native Ivory Coast when he was 18 years old. He had already made appearances for his country at senior level before he made the move to Italy in 2015. Despite some struggles adapting to Italian football, the 24-year-old has become one of the best midfielders in the league.

Kessié came through the youth system at Stella Club d'Adjamé before he was acquired by Atalanta in January 2015. He spent time in the Primavera squad and he was sent on loan to Serie B side Cesena for the 2015/16 campaign.

During his time with the club from Emilia-Romagna, the Ivorian midfielder scored four goals in 37 league matches as the Sea Horses went on to finish equal fifth with Bari and qualify for the play-offs. He played the whole game against Spezia but he could not prevent them from losing 2-1 and being eliminated.

After his loan spell at Cesena, Kessié was brought back to Atalanta and new coach Gian Piero Gasperini immediately integrated him into the starting line-up. His impact was instantaneous, scoring twice on his Serie A debut. La Dea lost 4-3 at home to Lazio but the Ivorian youngster stood out nonetheless.