Liverpool send ‘proud’ message as Ibrahima Konate makes FIFA World Cup debut for France

Liverpool proud of French star Ibrahima Konate after World Cup debut

Liverpool took to Twitter to exclaim that they were very proud of their own defensive star Ibrahima Konate after the Frenchman put in a masterclass in defence on his World Cup debut for his nation.

Konate started the game for France against Australia alongside Dayot Upamecano in the backline. The former RB Leipzig defensive partnership got back at it for the national team this time.

The Liverpool centre-back put up a colossal display for Les Blues in central defence and was one of the best players on the pitch. He led the backline in the absence of more established players like Presnel Kimpembe, Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde, as his team cruised to a 4-1 win.

It’s sometimes funny how things can change for a player in a matter of weeks. Konate was struggling for a long time with injuries towards the start of the season, unable to play for Liverpool and here he is starting for France and putting in sensational displays.

Konate’s game in numbers yesterday was absolutely sensational. The Liverpool man had 115 touches and completed 87 of his 99 passes. He had four clearances, one tackle, one interception and was not dribbled past even once. The Liverpool man also won 100% of his ground and aerial duels.

After conceding early in the game, France’s resolute performance in the game was largely down to Konate’s performance in the backline and he took to Instagram to express his happiness with the first win for France.

Varane is expected to be fit at some point during the World Cup but more performances like the one last night would force Didier Deschamps to keep the Liverpool man a mainstay in the team for their title defence.

Liverpool will be happy with the fact their player is representing France in the World Cup but they will be hoping that a player who has struggled with injuries doesn’t suffer any more relapses.

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Konate has made a good start to the World Cup. He will be hoping to continue in a similar vein and make an impression on his boss as Les Bleus