Chelsea midfielder Timoue Bakayako is one of the best French midfielders playing in the English Premier League. He was brought in last season from French side Monaco, and even though he has not fully settled in the Premier League, he has done enough for fans to chant his name.
Locally, the name Bakayoko sounds literally funny and many football fans usually laugh whenever he has ball possession.
It is at various football video rooms that you will hear fans laugh and giggle whenever Bakayoko has ball possession.
Bakayoko was born in Paris on 17 August 1994, the age group of most campus students. He is of Ivorian descent and was approached by the national team before he chose France in 2017.
Bakayoko's manager at Monaco, Leonardo Jardim, once said: "He wins a lot of balls, brings balance to the team. He passes the ball well and wins his duels. That is Bakayoko's role."
Then what is it with Bakayoko that makes Kenyan campus students, especially football fans feel captivated by this player, here is the reason;
1. The name Bakayoko. The name sounds like a Swahili vulgar word that someone might use when bored with something. As much as he is a good player, many campus students find the real use of the name especially when he losses or fails to score. It usually cheers the mood in the room whenever the player has possession.
2. His hairstyle. As much as he is among the many black players in the Chelsea team, many campus students tend to associate with him. His hairstyle and regularly dying from white to green to red makes campus students resonate with him.
3. He is a great midfielder. He has been compared to Yaya Touré due to his strong all-around qualities of pace, intelligent reading of the game, ability to intercept passes and accomplished tackling, passing and dribbling as well as being physically powerful and athletic.