Joel Matip has praised his Liverpool team-mate Ibrahima Konate following his impressive performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Konate has played a key role in Les Blues’ run to the final of the competition.
The 23-year-old defender has played four games in Qatar so far, recording one clean sheet. Ibrahima Konate has averaged 6.9 tackles plus interceptions per 90 minutes, the most among any player with more than three starts in Qatar.
The 23-year-old defender has also won 95 per cent of his dueling attempts in the competition. He is expected to start the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina.
Joel Matip praises Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool teammate Ibrahima Konate has praised the Frenchman ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
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Speaking to the media, Joel Matip said: “Konate is very young and already has a lot of quality. He has shown it again with the national team: he has shown the class that he has, self-assured, pleasant and a very kind person.
Especially [at] At this age, it’s amazing what he can do. He is strong in challenges, in the air, on the ground, the rhythm, [he’s] comfortable with the ball, it’s all you need.”
Ibrahima Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig during the 2021 summer transfer window. Although he has struggled with injuries since joining the Reds, the Frenchman has been solid every time he has had the chance to play for the Merseyside team.
The 23-year-old defender has made 33 appearances (in all competitions) for Liverpool so far, registering three goals and one assist. He helped the Reds win an FA Cup, an EFL Cup and an FA Community Shield. Ibrahima Konate was also part of the red team that reached the UEFA Champions League final last season.
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Liverpool consider selling Naby Keita
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool may decide to sell Naby Keita next month. The Guinea international is in the last year of his contract at Anfield. Liverpool could look to cash in on him during the January transfer window rather than letting him walk away on a Bosman deal at the end of the season.
Keita has struggled with injury since joining the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2018. He has yet to appear in a Premier League game for the Merseyside outfit this season. Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are the clubs that have shown interest in signing him in recent months.
