Sekou Kone was arguably the biggest winner of Manchester United’s ill-advised but lucrative post-season tour and he’s now plying his trade for his national side.
Ruben Amorim was extremely impressed with Sekou Kone, especially in the wake of Man Utd’s 1-0 loss to ASEAN All-Stars where Kone was the one major positive.
The tour performances were a continuation of a fine debut season in England for the Malian midfielder, who took a huge jump in level in his stride.
Ahead of a crucial pre-season for the youngster, Kone is now aiming to impress further for Mali U20s in the Maurice Revello tournament.
Here’s how he fared in the first game.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
How Sekou Kone fared for Mali U20 vs Panama U20
The tournament is a great opportunity for Kone because Mali will face France U20s, a powerhouse at that level, aside from games against Saudi Arabia and Panama U20.
The first game of the tournament for Mali was against Panama U20. Kone’s team lost 2-1 but the Man Utd youngster emerged with some credit to his name.
Kone was his usual combative self and his ball-playing ability still stood out despite Panama winning the game. He came on after 76 minutes and played a part in the goal his team scored.
He was a nuisance in the midfield with his progressive passing and dribbling. Amorim would have been holding his breath as a horror tackle almost broke his leg for which the Panama player was sent off.
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He assisted Mali’s goal near full-time with an expertly whipped free-kick which found the head of his teammate to cap off an eventful cameo.
After the game, his manager said that Kone’s limited involvement was due to him being in line for a senior call-up in the near future.
This game proved that he’s already beyond this level in international football.
Kone needs to be in Man Utd first-team next season
The way Kone has come through the difficulties of settling into a new country and league after joining is extremely praiseworthy.
More importantly, he also had to overcome some injury worries initially and despite that, his frame looks a lot more filled physically.
At 19, he’s already a bit older than some of his peers so a spell on loan wouldn’t be the ideal next step for him.
While there’s an argument to be made that a loan spell in English football will do him good, some players look better when playing for teams that dominate possession instead of scrapping for every ball.
Kone looks to be a player in that mould, and playing in Amorim’s system will be better learning than being out on loan.
He has one pre-season to prove that his immediate future isn’t away from the club.