Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is poised to start for France at Euro 2024 in Germany
France superstar Kylian Mbappe has heaped praise on his compatriot Ibrahima Konate, citing the Liverpool star as a ‘super player’ in an exclusive interview with Ouest-France before the 2024 Euro.
Ibrahima Konate, 25, has been selected in the France squad for the upcoming European Championships in Germany. Eyebrows have been raised in some corners of the world as the Liverpool defender is poised to be a part of the first-choice centre-back pairing for France alongside Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, ahead of Arsenal’s defensive wall William Saliba.
Now set to star for Les Blues, the 25-year-old defender has received glowing admiration from his national team skipper and special player Kylian Mbappe.
“Ibou! Super player and super guy,” Mbappe told Ouest-France.
“There’s a pretty crazy thing about him: on the field, he’s an absolute beast who you don’t want to cross, but outside, he’s a cream, a very cheerful and friendly guy. He’s really melted into the group very quickly.
“In fact, it’s like he has been there for ten years, while he arrived two years ago. It is one of his greatest strengths, beyond the footballer who is constantly growing.
“He takes on importance in the group. He does not hesitate to speak. He is really good. He took the place of holder that occupied, Raph (Varane), in central defence, a game sector with a lot of competition, where we have a sacred pool in France.
“We are very happy to have him with us.”
Mbappe has not only praised Konate for his qualities on the pitch but also his personality and calm demeanour outside of the game. Such appreciation coming from one of the world’s best players should be a big motivation for the French defender, who is expected to start at Euro 2024 despite a tough end to the past season with Liverpool.
Konate, after returning from a small injury, was so off the pace that he eventually lost his place in Jurgen Klopp’s first XI to academy kid Jarell Quansah. He didn’t play a single minute of the Reds’ last four league games after being hauled off midway through the second half following a disastrous performance in the 2-0 Merseyside defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.
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So, it didn’t bode well for the 25-year-old heading into the big tournament. However, France coach Didier Deschamps views Konate as a first-choice defender in his team and has faith in the Liverpool man to deliver the goods at Euros. Let’s hope Konate performs extremely well for Les Blues and returns to our club without any injury concerns.
