Ibrahima Konate has carried his wonderful kind for Liverpool onto the worldwide scene, producing one very 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 change into a key participant for Didier Deschamps’ aspect, and he justified his coach’s religion with a wonderful show towards the Diables Rouges.
Throughout the match in Brussels, Lois Openda seemed set to attain for the hosts after he was performed by way of by Manchester Metropolis’s Jeremy Doku.
Nonetheless, Konate watched the striker all the way in which and acquired again to thwart him with a superbly timed deal with, placing nearly sufficient stress 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 finally profitable 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 towards Belgium tonight, however he greater than made up for that with no fewer than six clearances, two blocks and one interception. He was additionally good in possession, finishing 48 of his 55 passes (87% accuracy, through Sofascore).
Reds followers could properly 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 by way of 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 can have been thrilled to witness his French centre-back placing in a wonderful show for Les Bleus.
Let’s hope Konate can preserve that spectacular kind for Liverpool as they enter a pivotal few weeks of their season!
You possibly can view Konate’s block on Openda beneath, taken from FS2’s match protection and shared through @VidsFCbrnKonate on X:
pic.twitter.com/tDIHMOR0zZ
— . (@VidsFCbrnKonate) October 14, 2024