Sekou Kone: The Unsung Hero of Mali’s superb U-17 World Cup by Archie Berry
Full Name: Sekou Kone
Nationality: Mali
Place of Birth: Bamako, Mali
Date of Birth (Age): 03-02-2006 (17)
Height: 180cm
Youth Career: Guidars FC
Contract Until: –
Key Tournaments: U17-AFCON, U17 World Cup
Current Club: Guidars FC
National Team: Mali U17
Position: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder
Preferred foot: Right
Weak foot: 3.5/5
Market Value: –
Clubs Interested: RB Salzburg
Player Comparison: Amadou Onana
Key strengths:
– Tackling (Very Strong)
– Interceptions (Very Strong)
– Anticipation (Very Strong)
– Ball recovery (Very Strong)
– Positional awareness (Very Strong)
– Physicality (Very Strong)
– Work rate (Very Strong)
– Mobility (Strong)
– Ball control (Strong)
– Aggression (Strong)
– Short/Mid-Range Passing (Strong)
– Press Resistance (Strong)
– Ball retention (Strong)
Improvements:
– Seeking Possession: Sekou Kone is very comfortable in possession of the ball, he displays a great level of confidence when pressurised by opponents, however, there is room for improvement in this regard. To thrive as a midfielder in a top European club, actively seeking possession is crucial. Kone’s game would reach the next level if he was more involved in the initial phases of his team’s build-up from the back. Embracing some of Moises Caicedo’s style would not only enhance his capabilities, but also make him even for adept to a pivot role at a top club. This improvement would not only augment his overall game, but also add to his versatility in the midfield.
– Long-range Passing: Kone’s Long passing does not yet stand out as an elite aspect of his game; it would be a great addition to his current arsenal of abilities. He is still just 17 years old, and I believe he will be able to develop a long pass with good weight and accuracy in the future. Adding the long pass would improve his creativity skills and further and allow him to offer more in the transition, upon winning the ball back.
Style of Play:
Kone is best suited to either a defensive midfielder role or a central midfielder role as a box-to-box midfielder.
Kone maintains excellent positioning and stays composed under pressure. This composure ensures he is rarely caught the wrong side of play, further showcasing his reliability in maintaining a strong defensive stance.
An adept ball-winning midfielder distinguished by exceptional anticipation skills, Kone consistently positions himself strategically and accurately to predict the trajectory of the ball. He leverages this ability to be precisely where the play unfolds, where he can utilise his advanced tackling and interception skills.
Excellent in transitions, a real driving force in the midfield that is able to carry his team through progression zones into attacking zones, upon winning possession.
A stand-out attribute to his game is, his ability to anticipate second-balls, this is thanks to his constant movement. Kone is never caught ball watching.
Capitalises on poor ball control by opposition, he is great at making opponents pay if they make a slight mistake on the ball.
Excellent at covering passing lanes, thanks to his awareness of the game around him.
A very capable and willing ball carrier, he does this at a good speed, thanks to his physical attributes. The combination of his strong physical frame and long strides makes him a difficult player to disposes, especially when he is in stride, often requiring multiple defenders which opens up pockets of space for his teammates.
Match Analysis:
In these 3 images, Kone’s top attributes are on display, Anticipation, Tackling and Ball progression skills. Kone is alert in the box and first to react to a loose ball, he tackles the opponent before a shot is taken, and quickly looks to transition defence into attack, with an excellent pass out wide to a teammate. This sequence exemplifies Kone’s multifaceted abilities, contributing significantly to both defensive solidity and offensive dynamism.
Sekou Kone has the profile of an energetic midfielder, showcasing relentless pressing and a keen ability to sniff out opportunities for his team. The Images above vividly capture his ball winning skills, this time in an advanced position of the pitch. Kone remains extremely controlled, even when tackling as he looks to direct the ball to a teammate in a dangerous position and is successful in doing so. The combination of energy, pressing, and precise tackling marks Kone as a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive transitions.
Sekou Kone emerges as an exceptionally press-resistant midfielder, showcasing remarkable composure and dribbling skills. The synergy of these abilities positions him as an outstanding ball progressor. In the featured set of images, Kone adeptly maneuverers past two defenders with great ball control and deceptive movements. Following this, he dynamically advances, delivering a precise pass into a dangerous area. Kone excels in propelling his team through both progression and penetration zone, demonstrating prowess that stands out every time you watch him.
Despite being a defensive minded midfielder, Sekou Kone is always ready at the edge of the opponent’s box, ever ready to capitalise on potential opportunities. He never shies away from a shot at goal and has great ball striking abilities off both feet. The excellent ball striking skills may draws parallels with the likes of Tchoumaeni as he develops. I am sure we will see Kone score many mid to long-range goals throughout his career.
Summary:
Sekou Kone has emerged as an outstanding defensive-minded midfielder, showcasing a remarkable partnership with Hamidou Makalou during the U17 World Cup, solidifying his position as one of the tournament’s premier midfielders. At just 17 years old, Kone displays an impressive skill set, with a particular emphasis on anticipation, interception, and tackling – attributes that define his excellence in a defensive midfield role.
Beyond his technical prowess, Kone exhibits uncommon maturity in his defensive responsibilities. His potential to evolve into an 8-role player, akin to Yves Bissouma is evident, provided he increases his frequency of seeking possession and refines his passing capabilities. Notably, Kone already possesses exceptional ball-carrying abilities, underlining his physical prowess on the field.
The anticipation surrounding Kone extends beyond the pitch, with European interest evident. RB Salzburg is reportedly poised to sign him upon reaching 18, a move that holds promise for his development, given the club’s track record in nurturing young talent.
In my assessment, Kone is poised for a stellar career in Europe, both at the top-tier club level and on the international stage. Mali’s football landscape is truly experiencing a surge of talent, with players like Ibrahim Diarra, Mamadou Doumbia, Ibrahim Kanate, Mahamoud Barry, Hamidou Makalou, Issa Traore and established figures like Yves Bissouma, Amadou Haidara, Cheick Doucoure, and Mohammed Camara.
8.5/10- regular starter at a top European club