Barcelona midfielder has earned the respect of the locker room for his decisive performances

Franck Kessie turned out to be the hero for FC Barcelona when he netted a late goal against Real Madrid to win it for his team. The winner might have just helped the club secure the league title as we approach the final stretch of the campaign.

In light of Kessie’s success, a recent report from SPORT has stressed the midfielder’s impeccable rise to prominence since the turn of the year.

Formerly of AC Milan, Kessie had difficulties settling into life at Camp Nou. He struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular.

However, the Ivorian has made full use of Pedri’s injury last month and has made a solid impression at Camp Nou with his performances. He continued his solid form throughout the following months, to the point where he has now featured in all of Barcelona’s matches this year.

Kessie’s performance against Real Madrid in the Clasico was another testament to his redemption, with the report stating that the former AC Milan starlet has earned absolute respect from his teammates and coaching staff for his efforts and decisive performances.

It adds that Kessie has also earned respect from the coaching staff for his hard work and commitment to the team. It has helped Barcelona emerge as the undisputed favourite to clinch the league title come the end of the season.

The Ivorian’s redemption could lead to a dilemma for Barça in the coming summer. This is because the club are facing economic hardships and must balance the books at the end of the season. Kessie was one of the players linked with a move away from Camp Nou in January.

Even now, the midfielder has remained a top target for Tottenham Hotspur and other Premier League teams. But with the player performing at the top of his game, coupled with uncertainty over the future of Sergio Busquets, it will be interesting to see how Barça approach this issue in the coming summer.