Blackpool forward Kylian Kouassi was loaned out to Cambridge United earlier this month.
Cambridge United boss Neil Harris states Blackpool loanee Kylian Kouassi set the standard on his first start for the U’s.
The 22-year-old made the move to the Abbey Stadium just over a week ago, and received minutes off the bench in meetings away to both Colchester United and Bristol Rovers in League Two.
A switch of competition saw the striker handed his first start for the club, as he led the line for Harris’ side in their EFL Cup second round meeting with Charlton Athletic.
Kouassi was on hand with Cambridge’s second goal of the night in a 3-1 victory over the rotated Addicks, which left his new manager impressed.
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Kylian Kouassi | Getty Images
Harris knows what it takes to play up front from his own playing career. Having made his competitive debut in non-league in 1996, he went on to represent the likes of Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Southend United.
“Kylian coming through has almost been a bit of a link player, almost like a nine-and-a-half stroke 10, but I’m saying to him that I don’t want him to be just that. I want him to hustle and bustle, I want him to be aggressive and I want him getting in the penalty area and scoring goals.
“The players we’ve signed, some of them ask me how I can help them to score more goals when I’ve met them.
“My job is to get them into the positions, to help them become technically and tactically better footballers – then it’s their job to put the ball into the net. It’s also my job to help them grow in confidence.
“Louis (Appere) has done it with a few goals and now Kylian has got off to a good start as well.
“We’ve seen him tonight compete physically, which he does naturally, and we’ve seen some elements of good link up play alongside being a goal threat. He’s set the standard now and that’s what we want.”
Finnigan’s start to life with Walsall
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Ryan Finnigan
Alongside Kouassi, Ryan Finnigan has also headed out to League Two, with the 21-year-old joining Walsall.
The midfielder made the move to Bloomfield Road in from Southampton in January 2024, but spent his first few months with Blackpool recovering from an injury he picked up while on loan with Shrewsbury Town.
After making his debut under Neil Critchley at the beginning of last season, he was able to make further appearances under Steve Bruce, with 19 outings in Tangerine coming his way in total - during which time he’s scored three goals.
During his first week with Walsall, the ex-Saints man has featured twice off the bench, with his game coming away to MK Dons on Saturday.
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