Liverpool fans will have to perfect opportunity to keep an eye on Franck Kessie at the Olympic Games after recent reports linked the Reds to the midfielder.
Gazzetta Dello Sport have claimed that Liverpool want to sign Kessie from AC Milan to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.
He has entered the final 12 months of his contract and with the Reds in need of a midfielder, they could take advantage of the situation.
He would be the perfect solution to the midfield issue at the club because he is similar to Wijnaldum in numerous ways.
And fans that want to see whether he is the right man to replace the Dutchman will have the chance to watch Kessie in this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
His Ivory Coast side are in a tough group along with Brazil, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
Kessie has travelled as one of the Elephants’ three overage players, along with Eric Bailly and Max Gradel.
An impressive Olympics could see Kessie get a move
Ivory Coast defeated Saudi Arabia in their opening group game on Thursday morning.
Kessie was impressive in an attacking-midfield role, scoring a 66th-minute winner. The goal came after an exquisite turn at the edge of the box before he thundered a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
It was an example of the 24-year-old’s all-action style. He is not known to be an attack-minded midfielder but is still incredibly dangerous when he gets near goal.
While he did score 13 Serie A goals last season, 11 of these were penalties. His game is based around energy and ball progression in midfield.
He will hope to impress against tougher opposition in the remaining group games.
Ivory Coast face Brazil on Sunday before taking on Germany on Wednesday.
It was A Selecao that won the opening game between these football heavyweights. That match finished 4-2 after a Richarlison hattrick.
If Kessie stands out in these two fixtures, Ivory Coast have a good chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.
While the likes of Bailly, Amad Diallo and Christian Kouame offer quality in the Ivorian side, it is undoubtedly Kessie that is the star man.
Brazil are almost certain to get through the group. So, it will be the Germany game that will be most interesting.
If Kessie performs, we give Soualiho Haidara’s side a good chance of winning that one.
We will be watching him very closely throughout the rest of the tournament.
Hopefully, the Liverpool higher-ups are too.
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