Frank Kessie was one of the high-profile names signed by FC Barcelona in the last transfer window, and his performances with the Serie A winning AC Milan team last season caused Blaugrana faithful to raise high hopes of the midfielder for this season.
His main qualities included strength, steel, and determination in the center of the field, and while these characteristics do not exactly match the traditional Barcelona style of play, he was still expected to play an important role in the squad, and follow the footsteps of some highly illustrious players that have played for the club, i.e. Seydou Keita, Yaya Toure, Edgar Davids, and even Paulinho.
However, the Ivorian player has not had a shining first half of the season and was even linked with a move away from Camp Nou due to the lack of playing time. The high degree of competition in the midfield, and the high expectations of the club means any new coming player has to adapt to the club quickly in order to get first-team chances. The injury to his femoral biceps in early November made it even more difficult for him to compete effectively with his competitors in the Barcelona midfield.
According to a report from SPORT, the Ivorian is now intending to get back to his best and play an important part for the hectic second half of the season. For this purpose, the player kept up his training with his trusted physical trainer, when the rest of the squad was either busy with the World Cup or having a break from club football.
He has been training at a friend’s house during the break, and having now returned to the club, is undertaking strenuous training sessions at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with the assistance of his trainer. The player is convinced that the hectic schedule in the upcoming months will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his true abilities to Xavi, and is giving his all to make this a reality.
