Kone has got what it takes
Skrevet av Håvard Lindheim, 25. oktober 2006, 09:50

Yssouf Kone has been in Steffen Iversen's shadow so far this autumn, but already in the Royal League he might be much more visible.

"He is faster, good with both legs, has better technique and suppleness than what Steffen has", Stig Torbjørnsen tells Norwegian news agency ANB.

Torbjørnsen was the man who arranged a trial period for Kone this winter, and Rosenborg has a strong belief in the Burkina Faso international. The fact that both Frode Johnsen and Thorstein Helstad were sold to make way, is proof enough.

For the home match against Fredrikstad, Kone was chosen before Iversen, but the debut from start wasn't a great success. Instead, Iversen got Johnsen's place.

"Steffen has a well established name and is in a great shape for the time being. In addition, he is wise and has routine. Especially in front of the goal. And at the same time, Kone was unfortunate with an injury early in the season.

In three weeks, Royal League kicks off, and it is likely that Rosenborg will change the team somewhat from match day to match day in this less prestigious tournament. Hence, players like Kone, Karim Essediri, Michael Jamtfall, Jahmir Hyka and Ståle Stensaas might get the chance to show what they have got.

"I don't say that Kone will be a footballer of Iversen's current format, but he has the potential. He is young, and his base skills are better than Iversen's. I think he has a good chance to get to that level," Stig Torbjørnsen ends.