New Roma signing Manu Koné impressed in France’s 2-0 win over Belgium, but Didier Deschamps insists the Frenchman has a ‘long way to go’ to reach Paul Pogba’s level.
Koné shone in France’s 2-0 win over Belgium on Monday night with 93% accurate passes, eight ground duels won from 13 and four key passes.
The Frenchman had made his senior France debut on Friday against Italy, but he was part of the starting XI against Belgium last night.
“He played a good game despite receiving an early yellow card. It’s not ideal for a defensive midfielder,” France coach Deschamps told TF1 on Monday, as quoted by TMW.
Deschamps: Kone has ‘a long way to go’ to reach Pogba
“I would have acted differently if it was a knockout match. I remember that Paul Pogba got a red card in his first [France] game. I don’t want to compare him to Paul, as he still has a long way to go.
“We missed key players in midfield, such as Zaire-Emery, who is injured. These players have an experience that Koné still doesn’t have, but he did well regardless.”
Even Lazio star Matteo Guendouzi was impressed with Koné’s performance and said he hoped he’d not play the same way in the next derby della Capitale on January 5, 2025.
Kone joined Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach in the 2024 summer transfer window. He made his Serie A debut coming off the bench as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Juventus before the international break.
Kone is formally on loan at Roma, but the Giallorossi have an option to make his move permanent at the end of the season for €18m.