Manu Koné’s season with Roma has reached a point where every new role seems to add another layer to his importance. Only days after scoring twice against Inter in one of Serie A’s standout matches of the year, the French midfielder delivered an assured display on his first appearance for France under Zinedine Zidane, helping secure a 1-0 win over Turkey from an unfamiliar deeper position.
Key takeaways
- Koné followed his brace against Inter with a commanding performance for France against Turkey.
- Zidane used the Roma player as a holding midfielder rather than in his usual more advanced midfield role.
- France won 1-0, with Koné recording six ball recoveries, two interceptions and three defensive contributions.
- Roma rejected approaches worth almost €60 million from Chelsea and €45 million plus bonuses from Atletico Madrid during the summer.
- Koné’s current valuation is now placed at around €100 million after his development under Gian Piero Gasperini.
A deeper task for France, and another convincing answer
Koné had been close to a regular under Didier Deschamps, but his introduction to Zidane’s new France side came with a change of responsibilities. Rather than operating as a mezzala, the position he has often occupied for Roma, he was stationed in front of the defence in a three-man midfield.
It was not entirely unknown territory for him, having previously played there against Italy two years ago, but it remains a different assignment from the one he has made his own in the Italian capital. Against Turkey, he gave Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki greater licence further forward while he screened the back line, chased second balls and held the midfield together.
Zidane was pleased by what he saw. The France coach said Koné had performed very well, explaining that he wanted to test a player not accustomed to that particular role and had found “excellent balance” in his display.
The numbers backed up the impression. Koné recovered possession six times, made two interceptions and registered three further defensive actions. He won nine of his 15 ground duels and three of five aerial contests, showing the discipline and physical presence required for the position.
His performance also carried significance after the debate surrounding his absence from the France side beaten by Spain in the semi-finals. Against Turkey, he made a persuasive case that he can offer Zidane more than one version of himself.
Roma’s all-action midfielder has changed his standing
At Roma, Gasperini has pushed Koné in a different direction. The coach has increasingly trusted him to cover the whole pitch and, crucially, to arrive in attacking areas with greater freedom. His two goals against Inter were the latest evidence that he is no longer merely a midfielder who breaks up play and carries the ball: he has become capable of deciding matches in the final third.
That growth has naturally altered the discussion around his market value. Roma resisted Chelsea’s attempt to sign him for close to €60 million in the summer, having already turned down Atletico Madrid’s offer of €45 million plus add-ons. The figure now being discussed is €100 million.
It is a price shaped by the wider market as well as Koné’s own rise. Tottenham paid €108 million for Tonali and €99 million for Mateus Fernandes, while Manchester City spent €135 million on Anderson, €145 million on Fernandez and €100 million on Bouaddi.
For Roma, the point is not simply that Koné has become expensive. He has become central to a season in which his influence stretches from defensive protection to decisive attacking moments. France have now seen that range too, and Zidane’s first test suggests there may still be further chapters to come.
