Ex-France captain Marcel Desailly has hailed the talent of Ghana's dribbling wizard Christian Atsu at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations insisting he is not surprised by the exploits of the Everton youngster and expects the talented player to blossom.
The Chelsea player who is on loan at their rival English side Everton is hugely talented by is yet to hit his full potential because of the lack of playing time with the Premier League side.
However he has been in blistering form for the Black Stars at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea as he has been used as the playmaker for the four time champions.
He scored a wonder goal on Sunday as he helped Avram Grant’s Ghana into their fifth straight African Nations Cup semi-final with a 3-0 victory over disappointing Guinea on Sunday.
Atsu opened the scoring for the Group C winners in the third minute and Kwesi Appiah, making his first competitive start, doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime, firing home from close range after a defensive howler.
Atsu then added a sublime third midway through the second half, with a long-range effort which looks likely to be a contender for goal of the tournament.
Desailly who was born in Ghana before he went on to win the World Cup with France, says he is not surprised that Atsu is making a big impact at the tournament.
"We are talking about Atsu with a great talent, anytime, he can take on opponents and do this. He is a great part of the team and he has a great future," Desailly said.
Despite starting the tournament slowly, Grant’s Ghana are growing in confidence and class -- both of which were evident in this convincing display.
Ghana will meet hosts Equatorial Guinea in the last four.