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Samassekou praises ‘inspiration’ Kante, lauds Essien example

Mali’s Diadie Samassekou has praised Chelsea’s N’Kono Kante, revealing how the World Cup winner is an inspiration for him, while also naming the African midfielders who were his role models growing up.

24-year-old Samassekou has impressed for Hoffeheim in the Bundesliga this season, having moved to Germany from Red Bull Salzburg last year.

Following an impressive Africa Cup of Nations with the Eagles, the midfielder is growing into one of the finest African players in his position.

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In an interview with Goal, he’s discussed the influence Chelsea’s Kante—whose parents are Malian—has had on him, and revealed which African stars were his biggest role models as a youngster.