Kylian Mbappe, one of the world’s best players, has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, calling him an “absolute beast.” Mbappe, who is currently on international duty with Konate for the French national team, spoke highly of his compatriot’s abilities both on and off the pitch.
In an interview with Ouest-France, Mbappe described Konate as a “super player and super guy.” He highlighted the contrasting sides of Konate’s personality, noting that while he is a formidable force on the field, he is also a cheerful and friendly individual off it. Mbappe further commended Konate for seamlessly fitting into the France squad, despite being relatively new to the team.
Konate’s rise in prominence has been remarkable. After making his debut for France in June 2022, he quickly established himself as a key player, earning 16 caps for Les Bleus. His impressive performances include a man-of-the-match display in the Champions League final, where Liverpool narrowly lost to Real Madrid.
Mbappe emphasized that Konate’s impact extends beyond his on-field abilities. Despite his young age and limited experience, Konate has taken on a leadership role within the team, even replacing the esteemed Raphael Varane in central defense. This speaks volumes about Konate’s character and the trust placed in him by both his teammates and manager Didier Deschamps.
Looking ahead to the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, Konate is expected to form a formidable defensive partnership with either Dayot Upamecano or William Saliba. With France being one of the favorites for the tournament, Konate’s presence in the team is crucial.
While Konate faced competition from Jarell Quansah towards the end of the season at Liverpool, Deschamps still recognizes his abilities and trust him to lead from the back for the national team. France’s journey in the European Championships begins with a game against Austria on June 17, followed by a match against the Netherlands on June 21. The clash between Konate and the Netherlands’ captain, Virgil van Dijk, is an enticing prospect, especially with the potential presence of four other Liverpool players on the pitch.
Overall, Mbappe’s glowing praise for Konate only adds to the growing admiration for the Liverpool defender. His performances for both club and country have propelled him into the limelight, and his impact is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As France aims for success in Euro 2024, Konate’s presence will undoubtedly be a key factor in their journey.