Nevertheless, Kone’s United team-mates can tell him the significance of the competition beyond winning. Alejandro Garnacho impressed for Argentina in the 2022 edition, while Matheus Cunha — for whom a deal has been agreed, subject to visa and registration — was Player of the Tournament in 2019. Back in 2014, Bruno Fernandes represented Portugal, while playing for Udinese.
Kone will hope to start and show what he can do in the remaining group stage fixtures, against France (Friday 6 June) and Saudi Arabia (Monday 9 June).
It may well be his final opportunity with Mali’s youth sides. Senior coach Saintfiet told reporters on Tuesday that Kone is one of two young players in the squad, alongside Barcelona’s Ibrahim Diarra, who will soon join the national side.
In fact, both players were in line for their debuts before an agreement was made to allow the pair to represent Mali in Toulon.