Jose Enrique has reacted to the speculation that Ibrahima Konate could start alongside Dayot Upamecano in France’s World Cup opener against Australia.
While GFFN had initially reported that a back three of William Saliba, Raphael Varane and Benoit Badiashile was set to be Didier Deschamps’ choice at the back, the Liverpool defender is now in contention to start.
And that too in a back four, as opposed to the speculation.
While the former RB Leipzig centre-back has been forced out of action due to injury for most of this season, the fact remains that he has been exceptional since the start of last term.
As a result, Didier Deschamps may have been tempted into starting the relatively inexperienced, but gifted 23-year-old.
Enrique backs Deschamps’ call to start Konate
In a latest Instagram post, the ex-Reds left-back was extremely complimentary about Konate, upon reacting to the story initially broken by RMC Sport.
“Very well deserved, what a player!”, he said.
Ibrahima Konate has been a revelation since joining Jurgen Klopp’s side and is deserving of all the plaudits.
The Paris-born defender’s blend of incredible athleticism coupled with his comfortability in possession and intelligent reading of the game makes him the complete defender.
The fact that a player of Virgil van Dijk’s stature referred to him as “fantastic” while speaking to the official club website is testament to his class.
If Konate does end up starting alongside former Leipzig centre-back partner in Upamecano, we echo Enrique’s thoughts.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
