Thierry Henry lauded the ‘absolutely outstanding’ Ibrahima Konate during Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League first-leg win against Inter on Wednesday night, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (16/02/22 at 10:05 pm).
The former striker thought Konate was ‘Man of the Match’ at the San Siro and was surprised to see Virgil van Dijk being handed the award instead.
This wasn’t Liverpool at their best, but a prime reason as to why they are one of the best in the world because they dugout a result against an aggressive Simone Inzaghi side.
Despite the relentless nature of Inter to not allow Liverpool to control the game, the men that stood strong was the defensive wall at the back.
Henry liked what he saw from Konate, who was also in the middle of Mo Salah scoring Liverpool’s second of the night.
“His (Salah’s) awareness,” said Henry. “He knew the ball was going to come to him. He made sure the ball was going to come to him because Konate was about to unleash it.
“By the way, what a game from Konate. He was absolutely outstanding tonight.
On VVD being MOTM: “Yes, (surprised), I thought Konate was Man of the Match for me.”
That was probably Konate’s best performance in a Liverpool shirt and further proof why he has a big future on Merseyside.
It was a big call from Klopp to bring in the 22-year-old before the game ahead of the more experienced, Joel Matip.
But on the storied and historical stage of the San Siro, the youngster stood tall alongside one of the world’s best in Van Dijk.
Whilst Liverpool fans don’t want it to come anytime soon, the day Van Dijk steps aside is the day Konate takes the Dutchman’s keys and builds his own wall at the back.
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