Micah Richards feels Ibrahima Konate delivered an inch-perfect performance at Inter Milan in the Champions League to fully justify his transfer to Liverpool, via his Daily Mail column.
Konate helped the Reds beat the Nerazzurri 2-0 and cement their advantage in the last 16 tie after the first-leg. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah struck the goals at the San Siro, despite Simone Inzaghi’s side commanding long periods in the second-half while scoreless.
Inter came out of the break and seized the advantage early on with a flurry of chances. Yet Konate and Virgil van Dijk weathered much of the Serie A side’s storm – but were fortunate Lautaro Martinez could not connect with Ivan Perisic’s whipped cross to open the scoring.
Inter Milan kept Konate busy as they sought a breakthrough goal and the advantage ahead of visiting Liverpool next month. But the Frenchman responded with a string of vital blocks. He also helped the Reds keep a check on Perisic when Trent Alexander-Arnold advanced.
Konate’s appearance at the San Siro was only his 15th for Liverpool since moving to Anfield last summer. He has also only played seven Premier League games after leaving RB Leipzig for £36m when Jurgen Klopp triggered a release clause in the 22-year-old’s contract.
Richards feels ‘real deal’ Konate justified Liverpool move vs Inter Milan
Richards feels Konate has now justified his move to Liverpool by delivering an inch-perfect performance at Inter Milan on Wednesday. The former England international also expects the San Siro showdown will lead to further opportunities, having had to bide his time so far.
“There is always a game when a big-money signing shows he deserves to be at a top club and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate had his at the San Siro against Inter Milan,” Richards said.
“He didn’t put a foot wrong and his performance suggested he could be the real deal. He has had to bide his time, given Joel Matip’s outstanding form. But Konate played with real maturity and will have plenty more opportunities in the future.”
Klopp may give Konate his eighth Premier League appearance when Liverpool host Norwich City at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. He has not featured in their last four top-flight games, in which the Reds have kept three clean sheets with Van Dijk and Matip starting instead.
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