Yesterday, Didier Deschamps announced his 24-man squad as France prepare for UEFA Nations League action, with the Premier League set to finish on Sunday.
There was a place for the likes of William Saliba and Raphael Varane in the squad, although bizarrely, there was no room for Liverpool colossus Ibrahima Konate.
In our view, the £36m man should be furious at his exclusion.
What’s the story?
Well, the 22-year-old has been a sensation at Anfield since his move from RB Leipzig back in May 2021.
Konate has been trusted by Jürgen Klopp to play the biggest games, such as the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, and also the final against Chelsea.
The Frenchman – who Virgil van Dijk rates very highly – was also selected to start both legs of the Champions League semi-final win over Villarreal.
Clearly, Klopp believes Konate is good enough to perform in the biggest games, for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and all at the age of just 22.
Therefore, it amazes us that Deschamps does not see what Klopp can.
Amazingly, Konate has never played for France, despite winning 13 caps for the Under-21 side.
It isn’t Liverpool or Ibrahima Konate
In truth, Deschamps has previous for making odd decisions, so it isn’t really a case of Konate not doing enough to make the squad.
For example, Deschamps frequently ignored Aymeric Laporte, even while the Manchester City defender was performing as well as anybody in Europe.
Eventually, Laporte gave up waiting and pledged his allegiance to Spain, where Luis Enrique immediately called him up to the squad.
Clearly, Deschamps is someone who doesn’t always make sense.
Having said that, the 53-year-old guided France to the World Cup in 2018, so he deserves respect for that achievement.
Ultimately, Konate will have to keep performing for Liverpool, and hope that Deschamps eventually changes his mind.
However, the Liverpool No.6 still has every right to be angered after being left out of the squad completely.
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