Didier Deschamps has claimed that Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate did some ‘beautiful things’ during last night’s World Cup semi final.
Konate came into the side at short notice owing to regular centre-back Dayot Upamecano being struck down by illness. Asked about the condition of the Bayern Munich man by RMC Sport after France’s 2-0 win, Deschamps gave an update on his condition.
“Dayot has been ill since Saturday’s game [against England]. He was able to do a session a little apart on Tuesday but hey… I was a player in my first life. Being in a feverish state like that, compared to the intensity demanded by this match,” said the coach.
“Even if he was available… Ibou [Konate] showed beautiful things, it seemed obvious to me.”
It looks set to be a straight shootout between the two former RB Leipzig partners for a place in Sunday’s final. Deschamps went on to suggest that he expects Upamecano to be fully fit and ready by then, but Konate has clearly made an impression.
“Normally yes [players will be ready]. Upamecano yes. Rabiot, hopefully. There are still four days, he [Rabiot] should be available,” he explained.
Konate puts himself in contention
What a performance from Konate last night. He has had to sit and watch most of France’s campaign so far, but when called upon, he’s been absolutely brilliant.
That isn’t a surprise to Liverpool fans of course. The 23-year-old has been pretty much faultless since arriving at Anfield in 2021. Now he has the chance to play in a World Cup final. And he deserves it.
You’d still have to expect that if Upamecano is 100 per cent fit, then he’s the one who’ll play. Rightly or wrongly (definitely wrongly!), he has been Deschamps go-to man alongside Raphael Varane in Qatar.
The standout nature of Konate’s display coupled with Upamecano’s illness may just have made the coach’s mind up for him, though.
With all due respect to Morocco, France would have been expected to breeze through yesterday’s game no matter the centre-backs. But on Sunday it’s Argentina and Lionel Messi. Do you really want an under-the-weather chap facing up against the best player of all time?
When the other choice is as good as our Ibou, it would seem like a straightforward decision. As Deschamps points out, there’s still a few days to make that call. Let’s see which side he comes down on. In the meantime, congrats Ibou!
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