Liverpool defender, Ibou Konate, put in a stunning display at the heart of France’s defence in their 4-1 victory over Australia.
The young defender started the game ahead of the likes of William Saliba, Lucas Hernandez and Raphael Varane- and it’s fair to say the defender did not disappoint.
Here are the stats behind Konate’s incredible performance [Sofascore]:
- 100% aerial duels won (4/4)
- 100% ground duels won (3/3)
- 6 recoveries
- 4 clearances
- 2 key passes
- 1 interception
- 87 completed passes
- 0 times dribbled past
I can’t help but feel like these stats remind me of a certain legendary Dutch Liverpool defender, Virgil Van Dijk, who also just happened to get Man of the Match in Netherlands 2-0 victory against Senegal.
Despite not keeping a clean sheet, which Konate couldn’t do anything about, the Frenchman was outstanding for the whole game.
The 23-year-0ld proved all of the doubters wrong, with many suggesting Arsenal’s William Saliba should’ve started ahead of the Liverpool defender.
His stunning performance means he is now likely to remain in the side for France’s next game, which is against Denmark on Saturday, where a win could be enough to secure progression into the knockout stage.
France’s overall impressive performance has put them amongst the likes of Brazil as favourites to win the World Cup, and Konate will certainly have his work cut out in order to make his dream of winning the tournament come true.