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    The problem with “the next Alphonso Davies” label | OneSoccer Presents 🎥
    World Cup 2026

    The problem with “the next Alphonso Davies” label | OneSoccer Presents 🎥



    How do young stars on the rise deal with the pressures of comparisons, heightened expectations, and labels? Ismael Kone is the latest in a growing line of young Canadian footballers going through exactly those challenges. Here, we examine exactly what it means to be called the “next Alphonso Davies” – and how focusing on your own story is often the best course of action for success.

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    View 45 Comments

    45 Comments

    2. OneSoccer on

      How do young stars on the rise deal with the pressures of comparisons, heightened expectations, and labels? Ismael Kone is the latest in a growing line of young Canadian footballers going through exactly those challenges. Here, we examine exactly what it means to be called the "next Alphonso Davies" – and how focusing on your own story is often the best course of action for success.

    4. DeeKay on

      Stop comparing Marshall Rutty, Tajon Buchanan and Ismael Kone to Davies and Jonathan David, if only puts unnecessary pressure on them. I think they are all incredible talents and should only be compared to their former selves.

    6. DJ Knox on

      Latest probabilities going into Sunday's matches: CAN to qualify: 91% today, 99.98% by Wednesday, 99.99% overall. CAN to top CONCACAF: 88.5%. CAN to secure a pot 3 berth: 18.7%. Also note that Canada qualifies if Costa Rica or USA fail to win today. More here:

    9. dedo on

      I kind of feel bad for Josh being a little forced with the narrative of the “Next Alphonso Davies” just for OneSoccer to garner media clicks… Pretty weird as well to compare a CM to a LB/LW very different in position, let alone style of play

      Ismaël Koné is a very talented player who just got the attention of CanMNT & Canadian fans. Echoing other comments, he can be the next Ismaël Koné, and let each new young player be the next selves.

      We don’t need this media bs putting pressure by calling for example Ballou Tabla “the next Messi” or right now “the next Phonzie.” Make all our young & talented players grow organically.

      Just say for your title “Who is Ismaël Koné? The upcoming Canadian bright spot” sure it may not immediately bring clicks, but it sure garners respect to be authentic.

      EDIT: Sure that is the end of the message, it does leave a sour taste however to use the title as clickbait. I would personally love to see OneSoccer in the future to give players THEIR shine, and not let their titles and narratives be outshone by already established players like a Phonzie, like a Messi.

    11. TagusMan on

      Has no one else noticed that that commentator never yells goal or scores whenever somebody scores a goal? Seems to go against the spiritual rules of football.

    13. Vince Rogers on

      Welcome aboard Kone timing is every thing another exciting young player for Herdman gonna be some tough decisions for spots in Qatar what a great problem to have !.❤🇨🇦⚽️🍻

    19. Bryan on

      Well said! I was a little skeptical when John had subbed him on for the CR game but holyyyy was I impressed. He fit in great, had some fantastic touches, and was enjoyable to watch. I'm hoping he'll get some playing time today against Jamaica.

    25. Steve L on

      People need to stop with the 'next *insert star player*'. Look at how many supposed next Lionel Messi's that have flopped even throughout Europe

    27. tubethis777 on

      We got a great team filled with original, unique, talented players. There's only one alphonso davies and he appeared at the same time as the other guys. Let the credit be where it belongs.

    29. Ken Anderson on

      Do you think Ayo Akinola will get another chance? I think he was on his way when just a few minutes into his Canada debut his blew out his knee. Herdman seems to have lots of options.

    30. Bob Hosein on

      Davies and David are already superstars. Tajon is on the way to stardom. Kone’s stock is on the rise. If he continues to make progress, the big teams are going to take a trip to Montreal. Canada has suddenly become a hotbed for soccer players. Hedman may be smiling with having to choose from the upcoming talent in the next few years. It is certainly a nice problem as a coach!

    31. The Count Of Monte Cristo on

      Good young players don't fail because of being compared or overhyped. They fail to meet expectations because they're just not good enough. The reality is that a gifted footballer like Alphonso Davies for a small footballing nation like Canada is a once in a generation event. Some countries that dedicate most of their sporting resources to football may experience a "golden generation" of young footballers, but that would be somewhat of a remote possibility in Canada when you consider participation rates, capital invested and the overall structure and depth of the domestic competition.

    34. CarlHH777 on

      If we're talking talent and hype, there's no player remotely close to Davies. Phonzy was MLS level at 15 and established himself as a starter on one of the best teams in the world by the time he was 19.

      With that said, it's nice to have a new generation of actually talented players that establish themselves at the highest level.

    39. W W on

      Harry Paton is not a pure 10. He plays across the whole midfield for Ross County, and has excellent passing range, is a very powerful runner and hard worker, and creates chances as well. Kone is brilliant, but Paton deserves a spot in this squad as well. Misinformation if he’s being labeled as a 10…

    41. Carlos Villaseca on

      I'm so proud of the young players, I'm totally full of emotions, this is a place we never been before, is a oportunity for Canada to grows in real Footbal, coming from Chile I can see the differences since….I insist I'm full of Pride and support for my Country, congratulations to all of us.-

    44. Phil Whelan on

      Nice summary thanks.. looks like he might be a last minute signing for Sheffield United, & to me, looks like he will fit in well & have a great time with the Blades. We already have a Canadian born striker, Dan Jebbison.

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