The Serie A curtains came down last weekend with the victory of Franck Kessié's AC Milan. The Ivorian was one of the great African satisfactions of the Italian championship, along with Napoli's Koulibaly and Osimhen. On the other hand, other African internationals have disappointed, such as Jeremie Boga. Sport News Africa reports.
Top 3
Franck Kessié, a successful end
The Ivorian midfielder, who is due to leave AC Milan this summer, wanted to make a success of his last season with the Rossonerri. It's a done deal. AC Milan are Italian champions for the first time in eleven years. A victory in Serie A in which Frank Kessié played a major role.
The Ivorian played 31 Serie A matches, including 25 as a starter. And this, despite an African Cup of Nations tournament with Côte d'Ivoire in January. He scored 6 goals, including one in the title match on the 38th day, as a symbol. But beyond his goals, it is his importance in the midfield that has again seduced. Technical quality, availability and physical strength: a decisive cocktail in the quest for the Scudetto. His last ball will no doubt remain in the hearts of the fans.
"I have one month left on my contract, but an extension is impossible. I came here for a five-year project: we came back in the Champions League and won the Scudetto, I think this is the best way to go," said the Ivorian.
Kalidou Koulibaly, as solid as ever
The price of consistency. Since joining Napoli in 2015, Kalidou Koulibaly has been one of the best defenders in the world. This year, the Senegalese defender has once again held his own with Napoli. Solidity, experience, enthusiasm, sense of anticipation... His qualities are numerous and were once again decisive for Napoli. The Neapolitans were able to play for the title for most of the season.
Koulibaly played 27 Serie A matches. He scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists. A great contribution to Napoli's 3rd place finish. And as with every mercato, the big European teams are knocking on the door.
Victor Osimhen, the Napoli gunner
This season, Victor Osimhen has had a lot of problems. Between a fractured cheekbone, a calf injury, thigh discomfort and Covid, the Nigerian has missed 74 days of competition. However, he had a great season in Serie A.
Osimhen made 27 appearances, including 23 starts. He scored 14 goals and provided two assists. A goal/game ratio that makes him one of the best fireworks in Serie A. There is no doubt that if he had been able to play the whole season, Napoli would have been able to compete for the title until the end.
Flop 3
Keïta Baldé, the descent into hell
What is happening to Keïta Baldé? The player who was promised such a bright future is having one average season after another. And this season 2021-2021, the Senegalese striker has not existed at all.
26 Serie A matches, including 14 starts. He only scored three times and provided one assist. Too little to allow his club to maintain its position. Cagliari will play in the second division next season. The Red and Blue finished in 18th place.
Jérémie Boga, difficult to confirm
In recent seasons, Jérémie Boga had put Serie A and Europe at his feet. There was a lot of interest in the Ivorian international. But this season, the five-year-old has fallen short of his potential.
First with Sassuolo in the first half of the season, Boga was transparent. In 12 Serie A games, he provided 2 assists. However, he did not score. Then the Ivorian left Sassuolo for Atalanta Bergamo. With Dea's polished play, observers and fans were expecting a renaissance, but not so.
Fifteen matches played in the league, and a statistical desert: 0 goals, 0 assists. Some believe, however, that this underachievement is mainly a collective one, as Atalanta have missed their season. A member of the top four in the last two seasons, the club finished in eighth place. Next season, Jérémie Boga will be expected to justify his €22 million transfer fee.
