'Such power': Nation's media hails 23-year-old Liverpool ace's international display last night
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate delivered an excellent display for France against the Netherlands on Friday night.
The 23-year-old Reds ace helped his nation to an emphatic 4-0 victory over the Oranje in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Konate was winning his eighth cap for Les Bleus, and is certainly looking like he’ll become a regular at the back.
French media outlets loved what they saw from the Liverpool powerhouse.
Eurosport gave Konate a 7 out of 10 for his efforts on the night.
“He too exudes such power that one wonders what could happen to the Blues in his presence,” they wrote.
“His interventions are as sharp as his passes and Kolo Muani enjoyed himself on the openings created by the Liverpool mountain.
“Like his fellow defender (Dayot Upamecano), he could have scored a goal if it weren’t for a great save by Cillessen in the 36th minute.
“He takes measured risks without ever endangering the team as a whole.
“In short… in the stands, Varane must have appreciated Konate’s display, as a good connoisseur of the position.”
‘Excellent’
Likewise, Footmercato gave the Liverpool ace 7 out of 10.
‘There weren’t really any major defensive efforts to note, given the Oranje’s weakness on Friday night,’ they wrote.
‘But the Liverpool defender showed excellent assurance throughout the game, including winning all six of his duels.
‘Accompanied by quality ball retrievals and an excellent breakthrough to note (37th minute).
‘Offensively, he even attempted a good header, pushed away at the last minute by Cillessen (35th minute).’
All in all, a solid display from the Anfield star, who really looks like he can go on to become a superstar defender.
A great night for Konate and for the 2018 champions, who will surely be among the favourites at Euro 2024.
New France captain Kylian Mbappe dazzled with a brace and an assist against the Oranje in the Stade de France.
He struck after Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano had put the hosts out of reach in the first 10 minutes.
Admittedly, the Netherlands had numerous key players out through injury.
Nonetheless, France were still at their dazzling best and delivered a real statement of intent in Saint-Denis.
In other news, “We remain friends”: 38-year-old who could now replace Conte is close with one Tottenham star
