Ibrahima Konate commanding first-season play at Liverpool has been rewarded with a late call-up to France senior squad. He has been called for Nations League Fixtures replacing Raphael Varane.
Konate was a revelation during his first season at Anfield. Putting in a run of increasingly excellent performances as he replaced Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.
Before his move to Merseyside, the 23-year-tenure old’s with the France under-21s came to an end. Although Didier Deschamps had given him little attention throughout the season.
Konate welcomed in the France national squad
Konate will be available for France’s senior squad for the UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia (twice) and Austria.
This follows Raphael Varane’s injury in Friday night’s 2-1 loss to Denmark, with the French Football Federation confirming the news on Saturday.
Konate is due to meet up with his teammates in Split on Sunday. Including Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni, ahead of the first of two matches against Croatia the following evening.
It’s a well-deserved call-up for the £36 million signing from RB Leipzig. And one that should have come sooner despite the intense rivalry for center-back spots.
Deschamps can also call on current squad members Jules Kounde, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, William Saliba, and Benjamin Pavard. While he can also count on Dayot Upamecano, Kurt Zouma, Clement Lenglet, and Nordi Mukiele.
Konate will most likely make his full debut this month, more than a year after his last appearance for France in the U21 Euro quarter-finals.
His selection is one of a number of changes for Liverpool’s international group already this month. Others include Thiago’s injury, Elliot’s Positive covid test, and Van Dijk’s early release of international duties.
His inclusion would also give Deschamps a chance. A chance to experiment with the CB pairings.
Given France has a variety of CB options. Players who are performing well are a question.
And with the World cup around the corner. Konate is undisputedly France’s best CB along with Kounde and Kimpembe.
And Given Kounde can play in the RB position as well.
The backline of Kounde, Kimpembe, Konate, and Theo is the best backline France can play.
