Manu Koné (24) has quietly inserted himself into this France side. With Aurélien Tchouameni hit by injuries and suspensions during recent international breaks, Koné has continued his rise and is now one of Didier Deschamps’ go-to men in the centre of the park.
However, despite his newfound importance for Les Bleus, he is a player who is rarely discussed. The AS Roma midfielder has now addressed that. “Am I underrated? I’d say so,” began the Toulouse FC academy product in a press conference.
He continued, “I saw that Deschamps said that, and I think that I’d agree a bit. I’m not necessarily the player who is put at the front of the stage. I think it is in part because of my premature departure abroad. I’d say that the French don’t really know me that well. I think my qualities have been appreciated more since my recent matches [for France].”
Koné is expected to start for France against Ukraine on Thursday night, as they look to secure their place in next summer’s FIFA World Cup. Fitness permitting, it is difficult to see Koné omitted from Deschamps’ squad for that tournament, and, even if Tchouaméni is fit, he is certainly a contender to start.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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