1 year ago
349 Liverpool defender Joel Matip has told the club’s official website that he’s been amazed by Ibrahima Konate’s World Cup performances.
Konate could be in line to start in today’s World Cup final clash against Argentina today after his brilliant semi-final performance.
The Reds defender hadn’t featured for France in the knockout stages after playing in all three group stage games.
But the 23-year-old stepped back into Didier Deschamps’ starting line-up in a huge clash against Morocco last week. Konate played as if he had never been out of the side and was a standout performer at the back for Les Bleus.
And ahead of today’s World Cup final in Qatar, Matip has admitted that he’s been really impressed by Konate over the past month.
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Matip on Konate
“He’s so young and [he has] so much quality already,” Matip told Liverpool’s official website.
“He’s showed that now again with the national team – with an amazing team. He’s shown the class he’s got. He’s self-confident, nice, and a really kind person.
“Especially [at] this age, it’s amazing what he can do. He’s strong in challenges, in the air, on the ground, the pace, [he’s] comfortable with the ball – it’s everything you need [as a defender].”
“Of course [on the squad wishing Konate well], he is the only teammate left, so there is no hard choice for us to make when he is the only one. I hope he comes back with a big smile – this will be a win then!”
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Konate has only made four appearances for Liverpool this season after picking up a knee injury earlier in the campaign.
The Frenchman has struggled to nail down a place in Klopp’s side since making the switch from Red Bull Leipzig last year. But he has certainly impressed when he’s played, despite his injury setbacks.
The £36 million defender will be hoping to get the nod for France today after his display in the semi-final. Konate defended brilliantly against Morocco and he’s looked more composed than Dayot Upamecano throughout the tournament.
The post ‘So much quality’: Joel Matip amazed by £36m Liverpool player’s World Cup performances, says he’s so ‘strong’ appeared first on The Boot Room.
