According to ESPN, Tottenham have expressed interest in Franck Kessie. The Daily Express believe Spurs could sign the AC Milan midfielder to be a ‘Mousa Dembele replacement’. Dembele looks set to join Beijing Guoan for £11m, but it’s unlikely that Kessie will be signed in his stead. Here’s why.
Kessie is not a midfielder of substance, he’s a risk-taker in possession and provides far more creativity than defensive protection. The 22-year-old does operate in the middle of the park, but he vacates his position on a regular basis in games and has no qualms in driving with the ball from deep.
Dembele would seldom relinquish possession or be caught on the ball high up the pitch. Kessie favours a lot of low-percentage passing and will often try to beat his opponent in a one-on-one in his defensive third. For Milan this season, the Ivorian has contributed four goals in 18 Serie A games.
He has a 70% dribble success rate and has created 33 chances. Kessie has had 38 unsuccessful touches, however, and has been dispossessed on 21 occasions, so he doesn’t come without his flaws. The midfielder is rated by CIES at £52m which may be too step for Tottenham to meet. This deal may not get over the line.