Cheick Keita’s career

Born in 1996, he is a natural left-footer with good physical ability and he’s the first Malian to play for Bologna. He moved to Entella three years ago after spending time in Monaco’s youth system. A promising season in Chiavari during the 2014-15 Primavera season saw him make his debut in the league as he showed good technique, pace and strength. Aglietti promoted him to the senior squad a year later and Cheick secured a starting place on the left for Entella as he took the opportunity of being given a chance in Serie B in the best of ways. His attacking ability is already excellent and he just needs to work on his marking and positioning but he’s shown that he’s a lively and hard-working player.

He was more disciplined in his last season which was spent between Liguria and England as he moved to Birmingham City on loan. The side just managed to survive in the Championship with Keita performing well as both a full-back and winger in a 4-4-2 formation, as he covered the whole of the flank, showed crossing ability and he only missed a few games through injury. He was called up by Alain Giresse for Mali’s national team for a World Cup qualifier but remained on the bench. In August 2017, he joined the Rossoblu on loan until 30th June 2018 with an option to make the switch permanent.