Ismaël Koné

Key strength: Work rate

Box-to-box midfielder

In a campaign defined by inconsistency for Olympique Marseille—currently marooned in 6th place after a troubling DLWLL run—Ismaël Koné has emerged as one of the few reliable constants at the Vélodrome. The 23-year-old Canadian international has been ever-present across 24 appearances this season, logging nearly 2,000 minutes of tireless box-to-box running from his central midfield station. While his zero assists might raise eyebrows, Koné's value reveals itself in his impressive 5-goal tally—an extraordinary return for a player whose primary brief is winning the ball and driving forward. Operating alongside higher-profile midfielders like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Matt O'Riley, Koné has developed a knack for perfectly-timed late runs into the penalty area, converting chances while maintaining exemplary discipline with just two yellow cards. His €14 million market valuation reflects a shrewd investment in a modern metronome: a 58-rated midfielder whose 63 passing ability and relentless work rate have quietly transformed Marseille's engine room. As Les Olympiens desperately seek form to climb back into European contention, Koné's tireless presence might just be the foundation Roberto De Zerbi needs to rebuild around.