National media rave about 24-year-old Liverpool star’s display last night, he’s now a key player

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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate’s display for France last night has earned him plaudits from the media.

Konate has quickly become a mainstay in the French defence. A start during last night’s 1-0 win over Greece was his fourth in four games since Les Bleus’ World Cup final loss against Argentina.

And according to Footmercato, the Liverpool man is set to play a big role for years to come. After hailing his ‘strong duels’ and ‘reliable recovery,’ they clam that Konate has ‘nothing to worry about’ in regards to his future in the team. All in all, a seven out of ten performance.

With Greece the opponents, Footmercato also rated Reds’ full-back Kostas Tsimikas. However, Kostas couldn’t match his Liverpool teammate, scoring a five out of ten having been left ‘exhausted’ by Kinglsey Coman and Ousmane Dembele.

Konate, clearly, fared much better. RMC Sport were another to score him a seven out of ten, lauding his budding centre-back partnership with Dayot Upamecano.

Konate making waves in France

How good is it to see Ibou making his way in the France team? Didier Deschamps has a notoriously deep pool of talent to choose from, especially at centre-half, but he continually chooses our No.5.

That must be a huge confidence boost to Konate. Still just 24, he’s got a big future ahead of him for club and country.

In many ways, last season was a good one for him. On paper Konate muscled his way into both Liverpool and France starting XI’s, and is now an undisputed starter for both.

But in reality, Liverpool fans will be hoping for more in the future. Not necessarily in terms of talent – although there is a feeling Ibou can go up a level or two. But more-so in regards to his availability.

All things told, Konate was probably Liverpool’s best defender in 2022/23. He only played 18 times in the Premier League, though. That’s less than half a season.

If the Reds can get him on the pitch more, they’ll be so much better for it. As France are now discovering, the former RB Leipzig man has virtually every attribute needed in a top centre-back.

Next season is a big one for Konate. A full campaign in Liverpool and France’s starting XI should see his status raised to one of the best in his position in the game.