Alphadjo Cisse is a name that would not have been on anyone’s lips before this season. But that is changing. Quickly.

The young AC Milan player spent last season on loan at Catanzaro, where he scored six goals in 22 Serie B appearances. This season has has exploded onto the scene in Serie A and that has led to links with a move away to Arsenal.

There is something quite exciting about Alphadjo Cisse. He is the type of attacking player who brings a bit of unpredictability to a team, someone who isn’t afraid to get on the ball, take players on and make things happen.

The young Italian has been making a name for himself with his attacking qualities, and there’s plenty to like about the way he plays.

Cisse is comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder, off the left or even closer to the striker, giving him plenty of flexibility. He reminds me a lot of a younger Eberechi Eze in both play style and tactical manoeuvrability.

The first thing that stands out about Cisse is his ability on the ball. He is a confident dribbler, has good close control and looks comfortable receiving possession in tight spaces. He’s not someone who needs loads of room to make an impact.

Cisse is particularly dangerous when picking the ball up between the lines. He likes to turn, drive at defenders and carry possession into the final third. He’s got that natural willingness to take responsibility and try something rather than just play the safe option.

Another big positive is his eye for goal.

Cisse is not just a creative midfielder who wants to make things happen for everyone else, but also has a decent goalscoring instinct and likes getting into positions where he can hurt the opposition. 5 goals in 9 Serie A games highlight how he is developing.

As a 20-year-old playing in his first top flight season, there still plenty of development ahead of him.

At times, Cisse can be a little too eager to make something happen. He enjoys taking players on and attempting difficult actions, but learning when to keep things simple will be important as he steps up to a higher level.

His work without the ball is another area that could improve. Becoming more consistent defensively, particularly in terms of positioning and tracking runners, will help him become a more complete midfielder. And this will also be key were he to fit into Mikel Arteta’s hard working Arsenal.

Cisse also needs to develop his off-ball movement. He has got the technical ability to cause problems when he receives possession, but making more intelligent runs into dangerous areas could take another dimension of his game to the next level.

For the majority of his young career, Cisse has played as a 10 in a 4231. This has allowed him the freedom to operate across the attacking areas and drift into pockets of space. It has also protected his defensive and physical frailties.

At a club like Arsenal, however, I would expect him to transition to the left wing.

Cisse certainly has the natural attributes to work from the left, where he can cut inside and use his stronger right foot to create opportunities or get shots away.

With the way Arsenal set up, our left wingers tend to play in off the touchline. That would suit Cisse allowing him to influence play from inside and also get closer to the striker.

Technically gifted, confident on the ball and the sort of attacking instinct that you can’t always teach. An ability to beat opponents, carry possession and contribute goals makes Cisse an exciting prospect.

His next step is turning those flashes of quality into consistent performances. He will need to improve his decision-making, defensive contribution and overall understanding of the game, but there’s a good foundation to build on.

For me, he’s definitely one to keep an eye on. He has got the tools to become a very effective attacking midfielder, and it will be interesting to see how his game develops at the highest level.

I am sure the likes of Antonio Nusa and Junior Kroupi will be top of our list. But if those transpire to be unavailable or poor value, then Cisse is certainly a good quality 3rd option.

And if Arsenal do not sign him, I would expect him go to someone like Brighton where he may flourish and then get his love to a big club.

DJ