2 years ago
343 Liverpool players have spent this week sweating over whether they’ll be heading to the World Cup this month.
Roberto Firmino didn’t receive the call-up for Brazil, but Alisson Becker and Fabinho made the cut.
Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Alcantara and Darwin Nunez are among those still waiting to hear if they’ve made the cut.
However, one player who received some good news yesterday was Ibrahima Konate.
The 23-year-old was by no means a certain inclusion for France manager Didier Deschamps.
He’s only won two senior caps in his career up to this point, but has done enough this season to break into the side.
Photo by Cristiano Mazzi/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Konate could line up alongside Manchester United’s Raphael Varane or Arsenal’s William Saliba in Qatar.
He’s unlikely to be first choice, but the experience will be brilliant for him, and is a fantastic reward for his form since joining Liverpool.
Van Dijk and Diogo Jota were buzzing for Konate after the announcement.
They took to social media to show their appreciation for the young defender.
Van Dijk and Jota buzzing for Konate
Konate took to Instagram after the announcement, sharing his pride at receiving the call up.
“What a pride and what an honour to be able to represent France for the biggest competition,” Konate said.
“This is a childhood dream come true.”
Van Dijk was buzzing for Konate, describing his centre-back partner as a star.
Jota called Konate a ‘beast’, after his personal disappointment on missing out on the tournament after picking up an injury.
Van Dijk and Jota were buzzing for Konate. (Instagram)
The £36m defender has had a steady start to his time at Liverpool, but has struggled with injuries.
Konate is a popular figure at Liverpool, and Liverpool’s staff love his mentality.
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
His injury issues this season could have affected his chances of a call-up yesterday.
However, he’s returned to full fitness at the perfect time, and has one last Premier League game to get through before joining up with France.
Konate is the long-term successor to Joel Matip for Liverpool, who himself has been plagued by injuries.
He’s got the perfect player to learn from in Van Dijk, and his mentorship has already helped Konate develop.
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