FT 2019 Preview: African aces to continue populating the Italian Serie A

“The 20-year-old defines the word potential. He has admirable upper body strength, ruthless in front of goal and described as one that almost glides on the turf by those who cannot take their eyes off him.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Since the days of Cameroonian legend, Samuel Eto’o in the colors of Inter Millan, the Italian Serie A has been shy of major African footballing icons shaking the world. This may not be the case any longer. The year 2018 witnessed a lot of booming and blossoming young footballers that are bound to grow and obviously usher in a fresh area of rapid rise of such players in the league.

Frank Kessie (R) of AC Milan is challenged by Kwadwo Asamoah of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 21, 2018 in Milan, Italy.

(Oct. 20, 2018 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

AC Millan’s Franck Kessie is one such player whom many may classify as a possible re-incarnation of Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah when he first appeared in Juventus’ black and white. Just like the younger Kwadwo, 22-year-old Kessie is a solid defensive midfielder who has earned Genaro Gattuso’s trust, starting all of Milan’s 18 matches in the league so far. We are only going to see more of such a promising player gifted with astute leadership qualities evident in things even as small as being handed the penalty taking duties for the team by Gattusso at such a tender age. In that same bracket, is 23-year-old Keita Balde featuring for the other Milan side on loan from Monaco. The Senegalese started the season slowly, sitting out matches but as the year came to close, he started giving a glimpse of what everyone has always seen in him from the get go. Balde has since scored 4 times and assisted 2 others in only 7 starts for Inter Milan. He is one that you can’t help but notice in the unfolding year as he steals the headlines. If you have never heard of the Gambian wonderkid, Musa Barrow who stole the headlines after rivalling age-mate Kylian Mbappe’s scoring record back in September, you shall, soon enough. The 20-year-old defines the word potential. He has admirable upper body strength, ruthless in front of goal and described as one that almost glides on the turf by those who cannot take their eyes off him. He might be going through a major goal drought since netting 4 times and assisting 2 others early in the season, but an individual of his ability cannot be robbed of stardom, this will serve as just an important learning curve. With Kessie having climbed up the ranks through Atalanta, there is no reason to suggest why Barrow will not do the same if not better it. His 14 goals in 19 appearances for Atalanta’s youth is one of the pieces of evidence why he deserves the faith that’s been put in him so far.

The above three and many others will likely continue claiming a stake among the Italian Serie A’s elite just as many other African stars have done in the premier league, celebrating the likes of Kwadwo, Koulibaly and Medhi Benatia who have come, saw and conquered the league.

Tottenham In An Advantageous Position

Coming into the first leg of the Champions League fixture between Juventus and Tottenham,  many of us were surprised to see Tottenham go toe to toe with the Italian Giants. The Bianconeri, are a formidable opponent for any club, seemed to be caught back at times during the eventual 2-2 draw between both teams. With the second leg being held at Wembley in London, one feels that the pendulum is shifting ever so slightly in the Spurs direction. 

Juventus has spent around $140M since the 2017 summer transfer period, and are in a similar position to that of an underachieving PSG. Success is judged differently for both of these clubs, as they sit comfortably atop both of their respective leagues. In the last 5 years, PSG has won 4 out of the 5 Ligue 1 titles in France, absolutely dominating teams with their exquisite play, but with their checkbooks as well. Juventus has won the Series A title 6 years and running, which is a staggering stat that ultimately alters the perspective of a successful campaign for them. With a domestic league championship almost a given for them recently, attention has shifted heavily towards a UEFA Champions League trophy that has evaded them since 1996. An exit at this stage of the tournament would no doubt be catastrophic for Turin club as it was for the Parisians.

Tottenham on the other hand, enter the match without any of the heavy expectation that plagues their opponents. They are in every sense of the word, over-achieving, in not only their progression in the tournament, but also their ability to stay “Top Four” in the English Premier League. This is a feat they have yet to accomplish as a club, and simply cannot be understated given the completion level in the EPL. Since the 1960-1961 Tottenham have yet to win an English League Cup and have nowhere close to the Champions League clout of a Juventus. Tottenham should instead be relishing the opportunity to take a step forward and continue demonstrating to the footballing world that they belong at this level. Read more on Tottenham coach Pochettino thoughts going into the fixture.