It was a difficult end to the season for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
Having been so good for much of his three years at the club, Konate hit his first real poor patch in 2023/24.
The 25-year-old was so off the pace that he eventually lost his place in the starting line-up to youngster Jarell Quansah. It didn’t bode well for the summer Euros with France for Konate.
Not helping Konate’s cause was that one of the Premier League’s outstanding defenders – William Saliba – is his direct competition for a spot in the French side.
After a tricky few months at Anfield, some would think the decision would be relatively clear for Didier Deschamps. And he’s now reportedly made it.
Didier Deschamps makes Ibrahima Konate decision
Liverpool’s need to sign a new centre-back this summer does not stem wholly from Konate’s poor performances. However, it is certainly a contributing factor.
A mix of bad luck with injury and below-par displays on the pitch mean Liverpool can’t really rely on Ibou anymore.
Thankfully – from the Frenchman’s point of view anyway – the same cannot be said for his national team.
While his availability for Liverpool remains patchy, Konate is more often than not ready to play when the international breaks come around.
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And having forced his way into the French set-up in 2022, Liverpool’s No.5 has slowly become a mainstay in Deschamps’ XI.
After playing for two hours during this week’s two friendly games, Le Parisien report that the France manager has now decided that it will be Konate who partners Dayot Upamecano during their Euro 2024 opener against Austria.
Despite Konate’s lack of minutes at Liverpool, it’s claimed that he has a ‘head-start in the eyes of the staff’ when it comes to a starting spot. Saliba will reportedly be on the bench instead.
Ibrahima Konate must make use of France spot
Although it’s frustrating that France are perhaps seeing better of Konate than Liverpool, it’s also pleasing to hear that Ibou will get his chance in Germany.
The former RB Leipzig defender is still a big talent who is one of the best around on his day.
Konate may have been underwhelming of late but he still has a big future at Anfield and should certainly be in Arne Slot’s thinking for next season.
Hopefully he can far into the tournament with France and rediscover what he had been doing so well at Liverpool since his arrival in 2021.
If Konate’s poor form continues though, then you can bet Saliba will be in to snatch his place.
Go well, Ibou.