Kone feeling ‘under-rated’ in France after strong Roma performances

WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Manu Kone of AS Roma looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Roma midfielder Manu Koné feels he might’ve been ‘under-rated’ in France, but his performances at club level are boosting his profile at last to follow in the footsteps of N’Golo Kanté.

The 24-year-old spoke in a press conference during international duty with France ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

He now has 11 senior caps for Les Bleus, having also represented them at various youth levels, including the Olympics.

“I am happy with my progress, as today I am among the best just by being selected in this squad,” said Koné.

“I hope to continue like this and repay the faith that has been put in me by my teammates and especially the coach.”

Koné not given the spotlight in France

It was noted that he is the second most used outfield player by Didier Deschamps in 2025, so he has gone from reserve to first choice very quickly.

“When you start out with the national team, you are still learning. I just try to live up to expectations on the pitch and hope it continues.

“I knew when coming here that there aren’t many opportunities, so you have to make an immediate impact. That’s what I tried to do, always keeping the team in mind.”

Deschamps commented recently that Koné has been ‘under-rated’ in France and the Roma player admits that may well be true.

“I kind of agree, yes. I’m not necessarily the one who gets the spotlight, perhaps because I moved abroad so early in my career and the people in France didn’t know me very well. I think they noticed a little more after my recent performances for the national team.”

He left France for Borussia Monchengladbach in January 2021 and then moved to Roma in the summer of 2024.

Roma went into the break for international duty as new Serie A leaders alongside Inter, so are they aiming for the Scudetto?

“I am very happy at Roma, we are top of the table and I am part of a great team,” replied Koné when asked if he might be ready to change clubs.

“We mustn’t think that we are champions yet. We deserve to be up there, but we’ve got to keep working hard and remain humble. We’re aware of our strengths and those of our opponents. If we win the title, we’ll take that, the aim is to stay among the top teams.”

Koné has been compared to former Chelsea midfielder Kanté and is relishing the suggestion he could follow in these footsteps.

“He is a world class midfielder. I was 15 when he started playing for France, it’s just incredible and he brings his experience to the group. It is fantastic to play with him, you learn constantly.

“It would be a dream come true for me to play at the World Cup, it is always a dream the moment you start playing football. Now we are so close, but have to stay focused and earn our place.”