Manu Koné has evolved into a midfielder capable of operating across the entire centre of the park, adding goals to a skill set that already encompassed recovery, ball-winning, conducting play and resisting pressure. His brace against Inter demonstrated a new dimension to his development—the ability to contribute consistently in the final third while maintaining his defensive and playmaking duties. That progression has been confirmed at international level: France manager Zinedine Zidane deployed him in an unfamiliar holding position during a Nations League victory over Turkey and praised him openly. "He was very good," Zidane said. "He's not used to playing in that position, and I specifically wanted to see how he would handle it, and I must say he showed excellent balance."
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identified Koné as non-negotiable during the summer window and Roma resisted overtures from England as well as repeated attempts from Inter, who have long admired his qualities and potential. Gasperini's football thrives on high pressing, aggressive ball-carrying and the rapid transformation of defensive actions into offensive ones—precisely the skill set Koné possesses in full. The midfielder forces opponents to chase him when he runs with the ball, is typically the first to attempt recovery when Roma lose possession, and can win the physical battle when a match becomes fractured. Gasperini has built his career on expanding players' responsibilities and moving them into zones where they become more decisive. With Koné, that process appears to have begun: against Inter he arrived in the box twice and scored with both feet; with France he managed the midfield from a deeper position. He requires no specific tactical shape to become influential—he adapts to the match and changes it.
This versatility inevitably increases his weight in the transfer market. A year ago Koné was among Roma's most interesting talents; today he is becoming one of their technical symbols. His market valuation will rise further if he sustains this trajectory and makes goal contributions routine. Gasperini considers him central to Roma's plan, while Zidane has begun using him as if he could become so for France as well. The article notes that interest from English clubs will return, old admirers may resurface, and new suitors will likely emerge.
Roma now operates from a different position: Koné is no longer a player to be developed and sold, but one around whom the club can construct. To persuade the Friedkin Group even to sit down at the negotiating table next summer, any interested club would need to present a truly exceptional proposal. While good midfielders are plentiful, universally effective ones are far rarer.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Ci sono giocatori che occupano una posizione e altri che finiscono per occupare mezzo campo. Manu Koné appartiene alla seconda categoria. Recupera, strappa, conduce, resiste al pressing, rompe le linee, accompagna l’azione e adesso ha cominciato anche a segnare. Più passa il tempo, più diventa…”
Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.
