According to Italian newspaper Libero, as cited by Sempre Milan, AC Milan have set a €35 million asking price for Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers target Franck Kessie. The news comes after Sun reported a few days ago that Spurs midfielder Vincent Wanyama has emerged as a target for AFC Bournemouth.
Therefore, Kessie can be considered as a potential replacement for the ex-Southampton player. But, how do these two players stack up against each other?
Style of play
Wanyama, in many ways, is labelled as a midfield enforcer. A holding midfielder by trade, the 28-year-old is adept in breaking down the opposition with strong tackles. He has the physically imposing 1.88m frame that makes him an intimidating figure for the opponents. It also gives him a considerable advantage in terms of aerial duels. The Kenyan international is a decent reader of the game as well – making him a well-rounded number six.
As for Kessie, he is more of a central midfielder, who can operate in deeper areas of the pitch, if necessary. But in general, he is an attack-minded midfielder. The AC Milan star is a gifted passer of the ball as well, notably attaining a pass completion rate of 87% last season.
At the same time, he can also hurry and hassle the opposing ball-carrier with his tenacity and willingness to win back possession for his team. Moreover, Kessie is a decent ball-carrier, meaning the 22-year-old can offer much more to the table when compared to Wanyama.
How do each of them fit into the current Spurs team?
Kessie’s potential addition to Spurs will offer Mauricio Pochettino with an additional option in central midfield that suffered an injury crisis last season. The Lilywhites have already signed Tanguy Ndombele for a record deal. And Kessie, in that regard, could form the double-pivot alongside the Frenchman in a 4-3-1-2, with Eric Dier featuring as a holding midfielder.
Wanyama, on the other hand, is likely to remain a second fiddle number six for Spurs. That is, unless, Pochettino considers Dier as a central defender in the upcoming season, which could make sense in the event of Toby Alderweireld’s potential departure from the club. But aside from that, the Kenyan is likely surplus to the requirements for the Argentine at the moment.
Is Kessie a good option for Spurs?
Kessie, though a different type of player as opposed to Wanyama, will be a smart piece of investment for Tottenham Hotspur. He is a definite upgrade over Moussa Sissoko and at the age of 22, he has time on his side as well.
Furthermore, the AC Milan star has a robust nature, which, coupled with his energy and tenacity, should make him an ideal fit for the physically demanding nature of the Premier League. A fee of €35 million also seems fair for a player of his calibre.
