Liverpool have been constantly linked with Kouadio Kone as an alternative to Moises Caicedo. But does he solve Liverpool’s problems?
The Bundesliga has long produced outstanding players. Kouadio Kone, 21, is one of the most recent to grab Europe’s notice. Clubs are lining up to recruit Kone, who now plays for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga.
Kone has dominated the Monchengladbach midfield with his defensive abilities, passing range, dribbles, and awareness. The Frenchman, who joined Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2021, has put in a strong performance for them. He has earned a starting spot.
As a result, we look at his statistics to see why teams all around Europe want to buy the 21-year-old midfielder.
Kouadio Kone: A look at the stats
The graph above depicts Kouadio Kone’s percentile rating in comparison to other Bundesliga left-defensive midfielders. According to the chart, he is in the top 93.9 percentile for dribbles per 90 when compared to other left midfielders.
Kone has respectable passing statistics, ranking in the 66.6 percentile in terms of accurate passes and progressive passes per game. Kone also performs admirably on defense. He has respectable numbers in defensive and aerial duels.
He sticks on the left side of midfield and dominates the game with his accurate passes and timely interceptions. Kone, who is physically strong, averages 8.12 defensive duels per game with a 62.9% success rate (Via Infogol).
Players find it difficult to get past him because of his physical power and footballing intellect. Kone also averages 1.47 aerial duels per game, with a 57.1% success rate. Another reason teams desire the 21-year-old is his ability to anticipate and intercept passes. He averages 3.43 interceptions per game for Monchengladbach and is a true game-changer.
Kone gets forward to push and reclaim possession despite being a defensive midfielder. Also, He has recovered the ball 16 times in the offensive half, 21 counter-pressing recoveries, and five risky recoveries. Kone averages 8.26 recoveries per game, with 37.3% of them occurring in the attacking half.
These recoveries enable the club to launch a swift counterattack. With players like Marcus Thuram in the lead, they provide Monchengladbach an edge.
Koné is an aggressive player who is not hesitant to execute a tackle when necessary. He is willing to put his body on the line for his team, with a 53% tackle success rate in the 21/22 season. He has good game-reading skills and can make interceptions.
This understanding of when to press is something that can be trained. Consequently, he will most likely develop if he is ready to put in the effort in the practice field.
Furthermore, a lack of awareness can lead to a lack of communication with teammates. Which can lead to defensive troubles and allow opponents to make effective, often unopposed, incursions into the penalty area.
Verdict
Kouadio Kone, 21, has held down the midfield for Borussia Monchengladbach. His ability to anticipate play and intercept passes is excellent, making him one of the Bundesliga’s greatest defensive midfielders.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with major clubs keeping eyes on him and actively monitoring his growth. Additionally, it is uncertain whether Kouadio Kone would depart if a better offer comes in, but there is no doubt that he is one of Monchengladbach’s greatest players right now.
