Pat Nevin hailed Ibrahima Konate on BBC Radio 5 Live (16/2, 22:05) for producing a perfect performance to help Liverpool beat Inter Milan in their Champions League last 16 first-leg.
The Reds won 2-0 at the San Siro on Wednesday night with goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. But the Nerazzurri had controlled much of the game before a spirited late showing from Jurgen Klopp’s side, who will look to seal their quarter-final spot on March 8.
Klopp elected to start Konate beside Virgil van Dijk as his centre-half selections against the Serie A title-holders. The German has so far used his £36m summer signing sparingly since triggering the release clause in the Frenchman’s contract with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
Wednesday’s Champions League visit to Inter Milan was only Konate’s 15th Liverpool game in all competitions to date. The 22-year-old has additionally only opened 13 of his outings for the Merseyside natives. He has also helped the Reds keep seven clean sheets thus far.
Nevin in awe of Liverpool star Konate at Inter Milan
Konate had his work cut out to help Liverpool thwart Inter Milan in their Champions League last 16 first-leg tie. The Nerazzurri came close to breaking the deadlock on a few occasions, but kept coming up short. Hakan Calhanoglu came closest after he struck the crossbar.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s adventures up the right-hand channel also left Konate having to cover his right-back. But the centre-half fared well up against Edin Dzeko and Ivan Perisic, while producing a raft of vital blocks to keep the Serie A side at bay during a tricky period.
Nevin felt Konate’s efforts against Inter Milan were near-on perfect to help Liverpool take a 2-0 first-leg lead in their Champions League last 16 tie. He now has two clean sheets over three European appearances for the Reds, and will be chasing a third in three-weeks’ time.
“I thought Konate was excellent,” Nevin said. “Power, physique. Not a step wrong tonight.”
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