Ibrahima Konate has shared the details of a text from Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of England vs France this weekend.
The two Reds players will go head-to-head for a place in the semi final of the World Cup on Saturday. It doesn’t get much bigger than that. But in quotes from RMC Sport via The Mirror, Konate says Trent still found time to put rivalry aside in the run-up to the game.
“This rivalry has existed since the dawn of time. Alexander-Arnold sent me a message saying ‘see you Saturday my brother’ because I am very close to him,” revealed the 23-year-old.
When asked who he thought would end up as World Cup winners, Konate also gave a nod to his four Liverpool teammates still in the tournament.
“I want to say France but then you’re going to use that against us! It’s difficult, there can be so many surprises. If I have to choose one, it will be France, or a team with Liverpool players,” he said.
Liverpool friends unlikely to meet on the pitch
Unfortunately, it seems virtually impossible that either Liverpool player will start Saturday’s game in Doha.
Having began the tournament in the France starting XI, Konate has since made way for the fit again Raphael Varane. Despite the Liverpool man outshining most of his defensive colleagues when he has played, he looks set for a bench role this weekend.
For Alexander-Arnold meanwhile, it would be the shock of the century to see him on the team sheet.
His only minutes so far have been half an hour at the end of England’s final group game against Wales. With the game dead and buried and the Three Lions already through, only then did Gareth Southgate trust the 24-year-old.
There may still be Liverpool representation on the pitch, though. Jordan Henderson has forced his way back into Southgate’s plans with some fine performances in Qatar.
Unless the England boss reverts to a more defensive formation, which he could, Hendo should retain his place. We won’t know for sure until Saturday, though.
What we do know is that at least one Liverpool player will be going home this weekend. It does also mean that the Reds are guaranteed to have some semi final representation.
Whatever happens, it’s clear that the bond between Konate and Alexander-Arnold will continue to grow. Trent has previously spoken of his ‘proud older brother’ feeling over Ibou, as they look to lock down the right side of Liverpool’s defence for years to come.
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