Ibrahima Konate of France and Liverpool. (Photo: LEON KUEGELER/AFP via Getty Images)
Following his wonderful performance against Australia in France’s first group game in the World Cup, Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate will apparently lose his place against Denmark to Raphael Varane as per L’Equipe (h/t Daily Mail).
Ibou was one of France’s better players in their win against Graham Arnold’s Australian side and at times, looked far more stable defensively than his partner at the back, Dayot Upamecano.
Benjamin Pavard seems to make way for Barcelona’s Joules Kounde which means that Didier Deschamps will have two changes to his last line-up. Extremely unfortunate for Konate to miss out, but this news is somewhat of a plus point to Liverpool.
Varane is a much senior figure in the France set-up in comparison to Konate. The fact that the Manchester United defender is back from a thigh injury makes his case for a spot in the starting XI much stronger.
Even though the club would want their players to give their absolute best for their respective national teams, keeping the best interests of Liverpool at heart, the fact that the Reds will miss out on national duty keeps them as far away from injury during this period as possible.
Konate is someone who has recently paved his way back from a pre-season injury and would naturally not want to put himself on the line and become vulnerable again. He has only played a full 90 minutes for his club on one occasion this season and will play a huge role in the later part of Liverpool’s campaign.
With his selection in the France squad in doubt before the tournament began, it is extremely refreshing to see him in action on the big stage after making only four appearances for the club so far in the entirety of the current season.
However, one could expect him to play a big role in Liverpool’s campaign in the second half of the campaign as he is one of the brightest young talents at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal and is a very promising player.
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