Patrick Vieira has declared Roma midfielder Manu Koné the best player in his position in France, ranking him above established internationals Aurélien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot. The former Arsenal and France captain, working as a World Cup pundit for ITV Football, delivered the ringing endorsement on Thursday ahead of Les Bleus’ final group fixture against Norway.
Vieira highlighted Koné’s combination of defensive aggression and progressive passing as qualities that distinguish him from his international rivals. “He is for me today the best midfielder in France,” Vieira stated. “I’d put him ahead of Tchaouameni and Rabiot, because he has this mobility, he is aggressive, he is a ball-winner, and he has the technical ability to be part of the build-up.”
The 1998 World Cup winner rejected suggestions that Koné operates merely as a “water carrier,” insisting the midfielder possesses superior forward vision. Vieira contrasted Koné’s direct approach with Tchouameni’s tendency to recycle possession, noting that the Real Madrid star sometimes produces “too many passes sideways or backwards” whereas Koné consistently breaks lines.
Serie A impact
Koné’s elevated standing follows a commanding debut campaign in Italy. The 23-year-old made 29 league appearances for Roma, scoring twice and providing three assists as the Giallorossi secured third place and Champions League qualification. He joined from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for €18 million, though his market value has since surged beyond €50 million following his consistent performances.
At the World Cup, manager Didier Deschamps initially left Koné among the substitutes for the opening victory against Senegal, but the midfielder has since started consecutive matches against Iraq and Norway. He has earned 16 senior caps for France and is expected to play a significant role as the tournament progresses beyond the group stage.
Transfer market heats up
The midfielder’s soaring reputation has intensified speculation regarding his future. Arsenal have emerged as favourites to secure his signature, while Serie A rivals Inter Milan had previously attempted to recruit him without success. Roma face acute pressure to complete a major sale by June 30 to balance their financial books, making Koné a probable candidate for departure despite his central role in securing Champions League football for the capital club.