There is plenty for Liverpool fans to get interested in over the summer’s international tournaments.
Although it doesn’t compare to watching your own team play, it’s always a treat to take in both the European Championship and Copa America.
12 players from the Liverpool squad have so far been selected to go to the Euros, while four of Arne Slot’s players will feature in the Copa America.
One of those – Darwin Nunez – wowed just about everybody on Wednesday night with a stunning hat-trick for Uruguay against Mexico. Nunez looks primed for a key role in the USA.
But the 24-year-old was not the only Liverpool player in action. And unfortunately, not everyone had quite such a good time of it.
Ibrahima Konate slammed for sloppy passing display
It was particularly pleasing to see Nunez do so well after such a difficult end to the season at Liverpool.
The No.9 struggled to find the back of the net in the final days of the Jurgen Klopp era. Hopefully his treble against Mexico is the start of a renaissance that can continue back at Anfield.
Another player to be hoping for an uptick in form is centre-back Ibrahima Konate.
The 25-year-old was woeful towards the end of the campaign with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher slamming Konate for some disappointing performances.
The former RB Leipzig man is still a top defender though, and was rightfully called up for the France squad.
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But unfortunately for Ibou, it seems as though his poor form has bubbled over into the national team. Although he played the full 90 minutes of France’s 3-0 win over Luxembourg, national paper L’Equipe were not impressed with Konate.
Scoring the Liverpool defender a five out of ten, the outlet claim that he ‘should have done better with the ball.’
While he was said to be untroubled by a much weaker Luxembourg side, Konate’s evening is claimed to have been ‘marked by several inaccuracies’ with his passing.
Ibrahima Konate needs to brush up his passing
Although L’Equipe are well known for being harsh with their ratings, every Liverpool fan will recognise this criticism.
While Konate has shown himself to be an excellent physical defender during his time with the Reds, he could be better with the ball.
Liverpool have repeatedly been claimed to be in the market for a centre-back this summer.
Part of the reason for that is obviously to do with Konate’s fitness issues. However, the Frenchman’s inability to stay fit is not the only problem.
Time and again we have seen teams target Liverpool’s No.5 in terms of letting him have the ball and closing off other options. Inevitably, Ibou cannot always find the best out-ball.
Konate is still young and can improve this side of the game. It should also be said that if he’s doing his primary job, which is keeping the ball out of the net, then he shouldn’t be too harshly criticised for other shortcomings. Head up, Ibou.