Franck Kessie shows why Premier League clubs are targeting him.
Premier League target Franck Kessie came off the bench to inspire Atalanta to a victory over Empoli last night and enhance his reputation in the process.
SkySport Italia reported earlier this month Tottenham Hotspur have offered £20 million for the midfielder’s signature, but face competition from Juventus and rival Premier League clubs.
Franck Kessie in action for Atalanta challenging Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain
Kessie was rested by Atalanta last night having been a regular so far this season, but was called upon at half-time with the score at 0-0.
Empoli took the lead six minutes after the restart but Kessie inspired Atalanta to a fight back, scoring an equaliser with a powerful strike from just inside the box midway.
He came close to winning the game himself by hitting the bar soon after, before teammate and fellow substitute Marco D’Alessandro scored the decisive goal late on.
Kessie’s goal was a notable one, as it saw him set a European record, according to Opta, as the youngest player in Europe’s top five leagues to score six goals so far this season.
The fact Kessie is a central midfielder rather than a striker makes his achievement even more notable, and highlights why Premier League sides have him pegged as a transfer priority.
The Ivory Coast international’s performance was graded the highest of any player on the pitch by whoscored.com, with a 92 per cent pass completion rate recorded.
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