According to Calciomercato, Everton are interested in the services of Franck Kessie. The AC Milan midfielder has been deemed surplus to the requirement by new coach Marco Giampaolo. As a result, the Italian giants will be willing to listen to offers for the Ivorian international.
However, the Toffees could face stiff competition with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of Kessie, who is valued around €35 million.
What can Kessie offer to the table?
Kessie is an energetic midfielder, who has the willingness to win back possession for his team. He averaged 1.2 tackles per game this past season with a tackle success rate of 60%. But, what really makes him an effective midfielder is his awareness not only in defending but also in terms of passing.
Indeed, the Ivorian can quickly evaluate his passing options and often produces the ideal ball. He also employs a direct method of passing unlike most other central midfielders, who tend to acquire a high pass completion rate by webbing a host of meaningless vertical or backward passes in the middle third of the pitch.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old loves to make driving runs into the final third and thread in useful passes. He notably averaged 1.3 key passes per game.
Physicality is another key asset of Kessie’s game as he can not only ride challenges by shielding the ball using his imposing presence but can also make strong challenges and win back possession for his team. He is a decent ball-carrier as well, thus making him a well-rounded central midfielder.
Should Everton make a move for Kessie?
Everton recently announced the arrival of Andre Gomes. The Portuguese international has joined the club on a five-year deal reportedly worth £22 million. And while his addition will undoubtedly be a massive boost for manager Marco Silva, the potential arrival of Kessie could further strengthen Everton’s midfield department.
The AC Milan star can offer some much-needed competition in midfield and with Idrissa Gueye linked with a move away from Goodison Park, he can potentially turn out be a replacement for the Senegalese international.
Additionally, Kessie’s physical attributes and combative midfield qualities could also help him integrate into the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. And at the age of 22, he can be an ideal long-term investment for the Merseyside giants as they aim to kickstart a new era under Silva next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
