Manu Koné
One shot during win
Kone had one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 victory versus Morocco.
Analysis: Kone was more of a pivot in the midfield for France, but still failed to get on the ball all that much compared to previous games, only completing 35 passes before exiting. He would earn a shot and a chance created in the attack to go along with a tackle won and an interception in the defense. He continues to be a likely starter until Aurelien Tchouameni is ready to start again, which could come in the semifinals against either Spain or Belgium.
All-around impact versus Paraguay
Kone generated three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Paraguay. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 81st minute.
Analysis: Kone led his team with 66 accurate passes Saturday while adding four ball recoveries, and he even attempted a few shots, although they were mostly weak long-range efforts. He bounced back to the starting XI due to Aurelien Tchouameni's (thigh) injury absence, and it's now a viable possibility that the Roma man will get more opportunities if his teammate faces a longer spell on the sidelines. Although he's a rather complete midfielder, Kone can't be expected to score or assist and could instead focus on maintaining possession and disrupting opponents' attacks in the final stages of the competition.
Contributes on both ends
Kone had one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 4-1 victory over Norway.
Analysis: Kone registered one shot, one key passes and two tackles (one won) across his 90 minutes in Friday's 4-1 win over Norway, providing the defensive structure alongside Aurelien Tchouameni that allowed France's attacking players to express themselves freely against a heavily rotated Norwegian side that relied on long throws and counter-attacks to generate its rare threatening moments. The Roma midfielder completed 51 passes and contributed consistently to France's possession dominance, and his disciplined presence in the defensive midfield role gives coach Didier Deschamps a reliable option to screen the backline as the tournament moves into its knockout phase against more dangerous opponents.
World Cup debut in midfield
Kone had one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 3-0 victory against Iraq.
Analysis: Kone made his World Cup debut and got the nod alongside Adrien Rabiot in central midfield after manager Didier Deschamps selected the Roma midfielder ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni. He fired a shot within the opening minute and played a key role in helping France dictate the pace of the match, providing strong cover in front of the back line as Iraq struggled to create any sustained attacking threat. Kone was outstanding on both sides of the ball, adding three tackles (two won), and his performance may have strengthened his case for a starting role throughout the remainder of the tournament. Roma's midfielder and France have now secured a place in the Round of 32 and will face Norway on June 26 with the top spot in Group I on the line.
Subdued display against Verona
Kone (thigh) had two clearances and eight completed passes and committed one foul in 18 minutes in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Verona.
Analysis: Kone returned from a one-game absence but didn't get the nod and didn't do a lot during a short stint off the bench. He closes his solid campaign with two goals, three assists, 27 chances created and 52 tackles in 36 games. He'll play in the World Cup with France.
Available for Verona clash
Kone (thigh) will be an option Sunday after working regularly in recent days, La Voce reported.
Analysis: Kone will be in the running to start with Neil El Aynaoui and Niccolo Pisilli after being diagnosed with an ailment following his absence in the derby. He has assisted once and added three chances created, three tackles (one won) and three interceptions in his last five showings (all starts).
Nursing minor problem
Kone is dealing with some muscle fatigue, TuttoSport informed.
Analysis: Kone was a late scratch for the derby but avoided a strain and has a shot to recover for Sunday's fixture against Verona. Niccolo Pisilli and Neil El Aynaoui both started sans him against Lazio.
Ruled out for Lazio game
Kone (undisclosed) will miss Sunday's clash with Lazio.
Analysis: Kone got hurt too close to the game to be called up and will be better assessed in the next few days to determine his status for the season finale against Verona. Niccolo Pisilli, Bryan Cristante and Neil El Aynaoui are all starting in the midfield in a less aggressive formation, with Matias Soule initially on the bench.
Questionable for Lazio bout
Kone picked up a muscular problem in the final training session of the week and is in doubt for Sunday's derby with Lazio, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: Kone was unable to complete the last practice before the game and might undergo the tests in the next few hours to assess the severity of his late issue and determine his status for Sunday. Niccolo Pisilli and Neil El Aynaoui woul soak up his workload if he weren't available or 100 percent.
Provides one assist in win
Kone assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Monday's 4-0 win versus Fiorentina.
Analysis: Kone played a decisive supporting role in Monday's 4-0 win over Fiorentina, delivering the assist for Mario Hermoso's third goal in the first half after beating Nicolo Fagioli on the byline and squaring a perfectly timed cross for his teammate to finish. The French midfielder was disciplined and technically assured throughout the 90 minutes, combining defensive intensity with progressive ball-carrying, while adding one key pass and one tackle. Kone has now registered three assists across 27 Serie A appearances this season, operating as the most defensively active midfielder in his side's 3-4-2-1 system and remaining a key figure during a strong run that has seen his team win eight of their last 11 home league matches.
Fit again
Kone (thigh) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Fiorentina.
Analysis: Kone was likely for Monday and has passed his testing, with the midfielder recovering from a thigh injury to return to a starting role immediately. He continues in his regular role when fit, earning four goal contributions in 26 appearances (26 starts) this season.
Expected to return against Fiorentina
Kone (thigh) resumed training fully Wednesday, La Gazzetta dello Sport informed.
Analysis: Kone will have multiple sessions to work on his fitness and be in contention to start Monday versus Fiorentina despite missing the last five games because of a thigh injury. Niccolo Pisilli took his place for the most part. He has provided one assist in his last five displays (all starts), notching four shots (zero on target), five chances created and eight tackles (one won) during that stretch.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare