Working on a shoestring budget, Atalanta have managed to defy expectations and are flying high in the Serie A table. They sit at 5th place ahead of both the Milan clubs. Much of their impressive performances have been due to the manager Gasperini who has overseen a change of fortunes for this Bergamo-based club.  The key players for the club this season have all been their academy players like Franck Kessie, Mattia Caldara, Gagliardini (sold in January) etc.

The brilliant performances of Franck Kessie have earned him two things. Firstly he is being touted as the next Yaya Toure by pundits. Much like his countryman, Kessie is a box to box player with good ball abilities. Secondly, all the top teams in Europe including Liverpool are watching him and there is a high probability of him changing clubs in the summer.

Kessie’s physicality and dynamic midfield displays have made him an impeccable cog in Atalanta’s wheel. He is intelligent on the ball and likes to burst forward whilst keeping his defensive duties in mind. He has scored 6 goals in Serie A this season. But the 2 red cards he has picked may be a cause of concern. Franck Kessie, due to his gigantic frame and well-roundedness, he can be deployed in various positions. He originally started as a ball playing defender before being made to play in front of the defence.

The transition from a ball playing defender to a box to box player has served him well due to his imposing physique and technical abilities on both the ends of the pitch. Kessie can also be used as a deep lying playmaker and start out attacks from the defence and also shield the back four, this is mainly due to his good sense of positioning, marking, and ball carrying abilities. As a box-to-box to midfielder, Kessie presents himself on a whole different level – his speed, stamina, power and technique are all displayed at the highest levels

The Ivorian comes onto his own in the final third, anticipating the runs of his team-mates and executing intricate passes timed to perfection. His excellent movement around the box is the reason why he’s scored 6 goals this season.

However, his discipline has been a major issue. He has picked up two red cards. The latter one against Crotone,  saw him make a late dangerous tackle which was not necessary at that point of time. At 20, he is still raw. With some polishing and experience, he may end up as a world class player who can dazzle the fans with his all-action displays.

WHAT NEXT

All the top English teams, Roma, and Juventus are the teams with noted interest in this young gun. He was close to joining Sunderland last season but failed due to work permit issues. Atalanta may demand around £30million for Kessie.

Staying at Bergamo for another couple of years would do magic to his development. In case he decides to move, a move to Chelsea or Arsenal will suit him perfectly. Atalanta deploy a 3-4-3 similar to Chelsea, so it would be easier for him to fit in. At Arsenal, he will play the perfect foil to Granit Xhaka and would add much-needed physicality to the squad. But staying for a couple of years more would aid his development the most.