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Kylian Mbappe has called Ibrahima Konate an “absolute beast” and heaped praise on the Liverpool defender.
Despite his injury problems, Liverpool fans know how talented Konate is, and their views are shared by arguably the best player in the world.
Currently on international duty with Konate, Mbappe had high praise for his compatriot on and off the pitch, in an interview with Western France.
Quoting from TBR Football, Mbappe said: “A great player and a great guy.
“There’s something quite crazy about him; on the field he is an absolute beast you don’t want to cross, but off he is a real joy – a very cheerful and friendly guy.
“He fit in really quickly with the group (the French team).”
Konate made his debut for France in June 2022, shortly after producing a man-of-the-match performance in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
He now has 16 caps for Les Bleus and is expected to partner Dayot Upamecan or William Saliba at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Mbappe continued: “It’s like he’s been here for 10 years, but he arrived two years ago. That’s one of his biggest strengths, outside of being an ever-growing footballer.
“He assumes importance in the group, he does not hesitate to speak. He’s really good.
“He has taken Raphael Varane’s place in central defence, a highly competitive position where we have a great talent pool in France.
“We are very happy to have him with us.”
While Konate was overtaken in the Liverpool squad at the end of the season by Jarell Quansah, Didier Deschamps rightly believes the defender will lead from the back for the Euro favourites.
France begin their European Championship with a match against Austria on June 17, before facing the Netherlands on June 21.
The Dutch team consists of Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and captain Virgil van Dijk.
France will play their last match in the group on June 25 against Poland. It is a group that is expected to progress comfortably, although the second leg will no doubt be a tough test.
Seeing Van Dijk take on Mbappe is a tantalizing prospect and, with Liverpool possibly having four other players on the pitch at the same time, the Reds will take on Leipzig on the night.
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