Franck Kessié, an Ivorian footballer renowned for his powerful midfield presence, has become one of the most sought-after talents in European football. His versatility, stamina, and leadership qualities make him an indispensable player in both club and international football. This article will explore Kessié’s career, playing style, stats, and future prospects, shedding light on why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world.

Early Life and Career

Born on December 19, 1996, in Ouragahio, Ivory Coast, Franck Kessié began his football journey at a young age. His early career saw him join the prestigious ASEC Mimosas youth academy, one of the most renowned football academies in Ivory Coast. Kessié’s talent was immediately noticeable, and he made his professional debut for the club in 2014, quickly impressing with his dynamic style of play. His rise through the ranks at ASEC Mimosas caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2015, he signed for Italian Serie A club Atalanta, where his career truly began to take off.

Atalanta: The Launch of Kessié’s European Career

Franck Kessié’s time at Atalanta was crucial in shaping his career. Initially joining on loan from ASEC Mimosas, Kessié impressed immediately with his physical attributes, ball-winning ability, and all-around work rate. His displays in the Serie A caught the eye of many clubs, and Atalanta made his move permanent in 2017. During his two years at the club, Kessié was a key figure in Atalanta’s midfield, showcasing his ability to break up opposition attacks, control the tempo of the game, and contribute offensively with goals and assists.

Kessié’s physicality and box-to-box style made him one of the most effective midfielders in Serie A, and his contributions were pivotal in Atalanta’s rise to prominence in Italian football. His leadership on the pitch, despite his young age, was one of the standout features of his game.

AC Milan: The Big Move

In 2017, Franck Kessié made a high-profile move to AC Milan, one of Italy’s most storied clubs. Initially joining on loan, Kessié soon made his transfer permanent, and his impact at Milan was felt immediately. At Milan, Kessié cemented his reputation as a dynamic, all-action midfielder with both defensive and offensive contributions. Over the course of his time at the club, he became known for his tireless work rate, his ability to score from midfield, and his exceptional tackling and passing abilities.

Kessié’s time at Milan was marked by key performances in both Serie A and European competitions, as he helped Milan secure qualification to the UEFA Champions League. He was a vital component in Milan’s midfield, forming a strong partnership with Ismaël Bennacer. Under the management of Stefano Pioli, Kessié’s leadership qualities were given the platform to shine, and he quickly became one of the team’s key players.

One of the defining aspects of Kessié’s play at Milan was his ability to dominate the midfield. His remarkable stamina allowed him to cover vast distances, and his knack for picking up key interceptions and breaking up counterattacks made him a valuable asset. Kessié’s ability to drive forward and contribute goals from midfield further highlighted his all-around game.

International Career

Franck Kessié made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team in 2015, and since then, he has become a mainstay in the squad. He has represented his country in several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kessié’s leadership, composure under pressure, and tactical intelligence have made him one of the key figures in the Ivorian midfield. His ability to perform on the international stage adds to his growing reputation as one of Africa’s best midfielders.

Playing Style

Kessié is known for his powerful, dynamic playing style. As a box-to-box midfielder, he has the ability to break up opposition attacks, shield the defense, and transition quickly into attack. His tackling and interception skills are among the best, often preventing dangerous counterattacks before they can develop.

Offensively, Kessié is also a threat, contributing with goals and key passes from midfield. His physicality allows him to overpower opponents in one-on-one situations, and his vision enables him to deliver precise passes that open up space for attacking players. In addition to his ball-winning skills, Kessié is proficient in shooting from long-range, making him a constant threat from outside the box.

Stats and Achievements

Over the course of his career, Franck Kessié has made over 200 appearances in Serie A and has scored numerous goals for both club and country. His time at Milan saw him contribute 35 goals in more than 150 appearances, showcasing his impressive goal-scoring ability for a midfielder.

Kessié has also been a consistent performer in European competitions, where his leadership and work rate have been crucial for Milan’s progress in the UEFA Europa League and Champions League. His accolades include winning the Serie A title with AC Milan in the 2021-2022 season, a monumental achievement for the club.

Transfer to FC Barcelona

In 2022, Franck Kessié made the move to FC Barcelona on a free transfer. The move was a significant step in his career, joining one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. At Barcelona, Kessié was expected to strengthen their midfield with his experience, physicality, and leadership. His time in Barcelona will be a crucial period in his career as he looks to add more silverware and continue his development at one of the top clubs in Europe.

FAQs

Who is Franck Kessié?

Franck Kessié is a professional footballer from Ivory Coast, known for his strength, stamina, and versatility in midfield. Born on December 19, 1996, in Ouragahio, Ivory Coast, Kessié started his career at the ASEC Mimosas academy before moving to Italy, where he rose to prominence with Atalanta and later AC Milan. As of 2022, he plays for FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s elite clubs.

What Are Franck Kessié’s Career Highlights?

Kessié’s career highlights include his successful spells at Atalanta and AC Milan. At Milan, he played a vital role in the team’s resurgence, including helping them secure a Serie A title in the 2021-2022 season. He has also represented Ivory Coast in various international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and has been a standout player for his national team.

Has Franck Kessié Played for Big Clubs?

Yes, Franck Kessié has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs. After his time at Atalanta, Kessié moved to AC Milan in 2017, where he spent several years making a significant impact. In 2022, he made the switch to FC Barcelona, continuing his career at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.

What Is Franck Kessié’s Future?

At Barcelona, Kessié’s future looks bright. With his experience, versatility, and strong performances in both domestic and international football, he is expected to continue making valuable contributions to his team. His potential for growth and further success in European football remains high as he continues his career at the top level.

To Conclude

Franck Kessié has emerged as one of the most talented midfielders in European football. From his early days at Atalanta to his time at AC Milan and now Barcelona, Kessié has shown his ability to dominate in both defensive and offensive roles. With his impressive stats, leadership qualities, and versatility, he continues to be a key player for both his club and the Ivory Coast national team. 

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