Analysis: Is Manu Kone the Right Fit for Liverpool?
Introduction
Liverpool have been linked with several players this summer, but few have been reported on as consistently as Manu Kone. The Reds have reportedly made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach for the French youth international. To get the lowdown on Kone and his potential move to Liverpool, This Is Anfield spoke to Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard.
What Kind of Player Would We Get?
They’d be getting a very promising player – somebody who has had a couple of solid seasons now with Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga; somebody, who even at a club that struggles, has shone; somebody who’s played consistently; and somebody who, if you look at the defensive side of the game, has worked incredibly hard. He’s got edges to his game that need smoothing, there’s no doubt about that. He picks up too many yellow cards, makes a few rash challenges here and there. But, in terms of breaking up play, in terms of getting a team moving, that’s something he can absolutely do.
Are Gladbach in a Position to Sell?
I think they have to. Money is scarce, they haven’t qualified for Europe again. So, they’re in a position where if they could get between £30 and 40 million for Kone, that’s just part of the game and I think they’d accept that.
How Did Last Season Go?
I certainly don’t think his performances dipped massively. He was an important part of the team. What I like as well is that he stepped up in big games.
Can Kone Develop His Attacking Attributes?
I think the attacking side of his game is something that needs developing because, at the moment for Gladbach, he’s very much somebody who wins back the ball. Kone is much more in the mould of what Liverpool generally want from their central midfielders under Jurgen Klopp.
Would He Improve Liverpool’s First Team?
Not right now. I think if you dropped him in it wouldn’t be an issue, but I wouldn’t expect him to be a first-team regular immediately. But saying that, you look at his young career and he’s defied expectations on several occasions.
Conclusion
Manu Kone is a very promising player who has had a couple of solid seasons with Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga. He is an excellent defensive midfielder who can break up play and get a team moving. He has some edges to his game that need smoothing, but he has stepped up in big games and could develop his attacking attributes with the right coaching. Gladbach are in a position where they need to sell, and Liverpool could benefit from his presence in their midfield. While he may not be a first-team regular immediately, he could be an important part of the team in the future.