By banking on Ismaël Koné last summer, OM was certain to find a talent capable of fully taking off in the medium term. The problem is that Roberto De Zerbi finds him far too nonchalant to be able to grow. The fear of a new profile like Imbula is there…
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Between 2013 and 2015, Giannelli Imbula embodied the hope of a revival at Olympique de Marseille. Recruited for his technical qualities and his ability to break the lines, the Franco-Congolese midfielder seemed destined to shine under the Marseille colors. However, despite flashes of genius, his time at OM remains marked by irregular performances and an attitude considered nonchalant. Despite his potential, Imbula never lived up to the expectations placed on him, with his lack of commitment on the pitch often criticized. After leaving Marseille, his career quickly declined, relegating him to the shadow of football's greats.
Ismaël Koné, a new enigma for De Zerbi and OM?
Today, another player raises similar questions: Ismaël Koné. Arriving under the orders of Roberto De Zerbi, the young Canadian midfielder has undeniable talent. However, his debut in Marseille is strangely reminiscent of Imbula's. Supporters and managers alike fear that his style, sometimes considered casual, and his irregularity could compromise his integration into a demanding collective. De Zerbi, renowned for getting the best out of his players, will he be able to transform this nugget into a key player for OM? The Koné case is in any case at the heart of his concerns. His nonchalance is too present in training for the OM staff to let it pass.
Koné will have to respond
For Ismaël Koné, the stakes are high. Prove to an extremely demanding coach that he is capable of having the seriousness and mental strength to be a great European in his position. At 22, his youth was until then an asset. It seems that his late maturity is playing tricks on him. His response, in training as in Ligue 1, is eagerly awaited. If he wants to have a future at OM, Koné must react as quickly as possible.
