Has Ismael Kone’s move from Watford to Marseille gone to plan so far?

Has Ismael Kone’s move from Watford to Marseille gone to plan so far?

Ismael Kone Watford

Ismael Kone’s performance at Watford last season prompted a move to Marseille in the summer, but the Canadian has struggled in France.

After 18 months at Vicarage Road, the 22-year-old midfielder excelled and was anticipated to leave for a reputed amount of £15 million in the summer.

Watford signed the Canadian international midfielder from CF Montreal in 2023, and his performances immediately struck out. However, the Hornets fans knew retaining Kone would be difficult.

Kone’s statistics in the 2023/24 Championship season as per FotMob
Appearances 42
Goals 4
Assists 3
Long ball accuracy % 72.3% (81/112)
Tackles won % 67.5% (27/40)
Duels won 144

Marseille now have a jewel in their midfield, and he is undoubtedly at the appropriate level.

However, in Kone’s case, things have not always been brighter on the other side.

Has Ismael Kone’s move from Watford to Marseille gone to plan so far?Copy of FLW 169 IMAGE (89)

Kone’s first few months in Southern France have been challenging.

The Canadian missed Marseille’s first three Ligue 1 games due to an ankle injury sustained only days before the team’s opener against Brest, which they won 5-1.

Kone returned in September and impressed in three games against Nice, Lyon, and Strasbourg, but his fortunes did not improve.

In Marseille’s 1-0 loss against Strasbourg, he was substituted due to another ankle injury, this time on his left side. His last injury was on his right.

According to @laprovence, Ismaël Koné suffered an ankle injury during Marseille’s 1-0 loss to Strasbourg this weekend. He damaged his right ankle at the start of the season, and now it is his left. At this stage, it appears that he will require a few weeks to recuperate.Follow TSN_Sports and @TSNSoccer.— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti), October 2, 2024.

According to La Provence, Kone will undergo a medical exam to assess the severity of his ankle injury and potential absence time.

According to a French site, Kone might be sidelined for three to four weeks, adding to his struggles since joining from Watford.

This has also led him to lose out on more time with Canada, where he hopes to secure his place in Jesse Marsch’s plans.

So far, the 22-year-old has found the situation frustrating.

 

Kone is concerned about more than just his injuries.

Copy of FLW 169 IMAGE (89)

If missing two spells in his early Marseille career wasn’t terrible enough, he now has to compete with Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield alternatives.

Adrien Rabiot, who signed in the summer, now has the opportunity to solidify his place in De Zerbi’s squad, meaning Kone will need to put in extra effort to demonstrate his potential.

Despite being held back somewhat, Watford supporters will tell you that he is a fantastic player who, with a good run of games, has the potential to become a Ligue 1 star.

Watford haven’t been completely without Kone, but his return to the team is unquestionably beneficial.

Tom Cleverley’s defensive talents in midfield have been lacking this season, forcing him to rely on Moussa Sissoko, who is 35.

His time at Watford was brief but memorable, and he had a significant influence on the number six position, with the next young player having to work hard to match Kone’s abilities.

The midfielder’s start in France hasn’t been ideal, but if he can work hard to overcome another injury, he has the potential to thrive in the South of France, particularly under De Zerbi’s guidance.

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