The AS Roma midfielder followed his two-goal performance against Inter with another standout display as France beat Turkey 1-0.
Zidane moved Koné deeper into midfield, using him as a holding midfielder rather than the more advanced role he normally occupies under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma.
The position was not entirely new to Koné, who had previously played there against Italy, but Zidane was keen to see how he would handle the responsibility.
“Manu was very good. He is not used to playing in that position, I really wanted to see how he would cope in that role, and he showed an excellent balance,” Zidane said after the match.
Koné provided protection for the defence while allowing Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki greater freedom in a midfield three.
His performance included six recoveries, two interceptions and three defensive contributions. He also won nine of 15 ground duels and three of five aerial challenges.
The display adds another dimension to a player who has increasingly become influential in the final third for Roma.
Gasperini has given Koné greater freedom to attack, with his recent double against Inter highlighting how effective he has become further forward.
His form has also helped drive up his transfer value.
Roma rejected a bid of almost €60 million from Chelsea during the summer after previously turning down Atletico Madrid's €45m-plus-add-ons proposal.
His current valuation is now reported at around €100m, reflecting the rapid development of a midfielder who continues to demonstrate his versatility.
Koné's latest France performance has given Zidane another reason to view him as an option in different areas of the midfield.