Ibrahima Konaté put in a star-making performance against Real Madrid, despite Liverpool’s defeat in the Champions League final. The Frenchman gives the Reds something to shout about.
It’s pretty gutting to lose a UEFA Champions League final when you’ve dominated like that. Liverpool had the possession, the shots and the territory in Paris but Real Madrid found a way to win. That’s what they do, it turns out.
Liverpool should have won this game, looking back, and it’ll hurt for a while. But there is at least one reason to look back with pride. If there was any doubt, Ibrahima Konaté is a star and he proved that with his performance in Paris.
Ibrahima Konaté has a star-making performance
The stats here make for great reading. Konaté won 100% of his tackles against Real – 3 out of 3. They attacked him, tried to run at him, and he answered world-class talent every time.
But it was the confidence that Konaté showed that really impresses. He moved out of defence with the ball to dribble past players twice and succeeded both times. He created a chance, won an interception, and wasn’t dispossessed once.
And Konaté’s strength against Vinicius Jr was just fantastic at times. He’d keep up with him for pace and then brush the Brazilian aside – just fantastic defending.
We weren’t entirely sure Konaté would start here after his mistake against Wolves last week. Especially as Joel Matip was so good in that game. But Klopp backed the Frenchman and he delivered with, for us, Liverpool’s Man of the Match display.
To do so at 23 is remarkable and Konaté should only get better and better. He’s stepped into the biggest game of his career and delivered at the top level. Liverpool have a star player here and we can’t wait to see how good he’ll become.