Franck Kessie joined Barcelona as a free signing from AC Milan this summer.

The Ivorian was a substitute against Rayo Vallecano and came on as a 72^nd minute substitute for Pedri.

Alex Kouadio-Payne, a journalist said to be close to Kessie, has urged Barcelona boss Xavi to give a starting role to Kessie, as he backed the Ivorian to be an important player for Barca.

Alex Kouadio-Payne told Diario Sport: “If they let him, Franck Kessie will end up being a starter at Barcelona. He doesn’t speak a lot, but he is very combative. He is a born competitor.

“Every time he signs for a club, he ends up playing a lot and starting for them.”

He also revealed that Kessie’s dream is to win the Champions League with Barca.

He added: “There are only two Ivorians who have won the Champions League. It would be incredible if he became the third.

“Kessie had great moments at AC Milan, but he had no doubts about Barca ever since he received the call. It was his dream as a kid.”