Ibrahima Konate has carried his positive kind for Liverpool onto the worldwide scene, producing one important second as France defeated Belgium 2-1 within the UEFA Nations League tonight.
The 25-year-old was an unused squad member for Les Bleus at Euro 2024 however he’s since turn out to be a key participant for Didier Deschamps’ facet, and he justified his coach’s religion with a positive show in opposition to the Diables Rouges.
Throughout the match in Brussels, Lois Openda appeared set to attain for the hosts after he was performed via by Manchester Metropolis’s Jeremy Doku.
Nonetheless, Konate watched the striker all the best way and obtained again to thwart him with a superbly timed deal with, placing nearly sufficient strain on the RB Leipzig marksman to place him off with out pushing him over and freely giving a penalty.
Konate spectacular once more for France
With France in the end successful by the odd purpose regardless of the 76th-minute dismissal of Aurelien Tchouameni, the Liverpool centre-back’s intervention turned out to be a vital one.
The 25-year-old surprisingly didn’t win any duels in opposition to Belgium tonight, however he greater than made up for that with no fewer than six clearances, two blocks and one interception. He was additionally sensible in possession, finishing 48 of his 55 passes (87% accuracy, by way of Sofascore).
Reds followers might effectively have a wry smile on their faces not simply at Konate’s efficiency, but in addition on the sight of William Saliba recklessly freely giving a penalty for crashing into Openda halfway via the primary half, just for Youri Tielemans to overlook the following spot kick.
It wasn’t the best second of the Arsenal man’s profession, to say the least, however Arne Slot could have been thrilled to witness his French centre-back placing in a positive show for Les Bleus.
Let’s hope Konate can keep that spectacular kind for Liverpool as they enter a pivotal few weeks of their season!
You’ll be able to view Konate’s block on Openda under, taken from FS2’s match protection and shared by way of @VidsFCbrnKonate on X:
— . (@VidsFCbrnKonate) October 14, 2024