What Tottenham must be willing to do to sign Franck Kessie
By Gary Pearson
Is Kessie worth the money?
Tottenham definitely need a ball-playing central midfielder, somebody who can employ a slightly more advanced role. Having a player of that skillset would allow Tottenham to employ just one defensive central midfielder, a clear requirement in some circumstances (away to Watford and Southampton for example).
But does Kessie fit that profile? In his 16 Serie A appearances this season, Kessie has filled three slightly different roles in the middle of the pitch. Ten times he played as a defensive central midfielder, four in a slightly more advanced position and the other two in an attacking role, almost playing as Milan’s quasi No. 10.
He scored one goal in 10 matches in the defensive role, a position Tottenham are well covered. Spurs are stacked in that role, with Pierre Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks to select from.
As a puritan’s central midfielder, one you’d find in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, Kessie scored two goals in four appearances, an impressive return from an admittedly tiny sample size. As a quasi No. 10, Kessie bagged two goals in as many appearances, an extremely prolific return. Again, it’s a small sample size, but still an exciting prospect for Tottenham.
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That’s where Tottenham need the most help. Kessie must be able to excel in a slightly more advanced central role to be worth the asking price. If he has any chance of earning his keep at Spurs, he’ll need to contribute offensively, as Conte doesn’t need another dogged, defensive-minded No. 6.
Franck Kessie is off to play for the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations, another factor to consider in this complex transfer negotiation. Though that shouldn’t seriously hamper Conte from getting this important bit of business concluded prior to transfer deadline day, Jan. 31.
The African Cup of Nations concludes on Feb. 6, less than a week after transfer deadline day. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Kessie’s north London arrival. Now it’s up to Conte to decide whether Kessie is worth the financial risk.