Ibrahima Konate was praised by national media for his lionhearted performance in defence for France in their World Cup semi-final win against Morocco.
The Liverpool centre-back was incredible against the Moroccans, with his last-ditch defending in particular saving Les Bleus’ blushes on plenty of occasions.
As Azzedine Ounahi and Co. looked set to score at any point, it was the 23-year-old who ensured that France miraculously kept a clean sheet on the night.
Coming into the side for Dayot Upamecano, there were fears that Ibrahima Konate could fold at the biggest stage due to a lack of experience.
However, the former RB Leipzig defender made a mockery of any doubts by arguably having a claim for being the best player on the pitch.
Even when Morocco peppered the French backline time and again, the Reds centre-half’s composure, brilliant reading of the game and excellent ball-playing ability stood out at all times.
Ibrahima Konate gets an 8.5/10 rating
The French edition of Eurosport lauded Konate after his splendid showing in the World Cup semi-final against Morocco, giving him an 8.5/10 rating.
“He entered the [starting] 11 with mad conviction. This Wednesday, he did everything to disgust Moroccans who insisted on his side.”
“The young central defender saved countless situations but we will remember the sliding tackle in front of [Achraf] Hakimi (44th minute) and his interception in front of En Nesyri (54th minute). He diffused a power and serenity that kept the Blues in the game.”
“To his credit, an opening of 45 meters for Giroud. A very, very great game. In short, how do we get him out of the 11?”
Maxi Foot also gave Ibrahima Konate as high as an 8/10 rating, saying, “The central defender could have also claimed Man of the Match (instead of Antoine Griezmann).”
“While the absence of Dayot Upamecano was one of the black points for the Blues, the Liverpool teammate perfectly replaced his teammate by multiplying the decisive interventions.”
“His physical power and his good reading of the game allowed him to put out the fires in the French area in the second half in particular, like his huge save in front of EnNesyri.”
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