The international break is generally a nervous time for fans of club football and Liverpool are no different in that respect.
It has unfortunately not been a rare occurrence to see Reds players injured during sojourns with their countries.
As a result, many would prefer to see those members of the Liverpool squad called up to play feature as little as possible.
However, there is also a certain pride at seeing Liverpool players become key men for their national teams.
That certainly applies to many of Arne Slot’s current group. The Reds boast five international captains in their first-team squad and according to reports this week, could soon add one more to that group.
In the absence of Kylian Mbappe, it has been claimed that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate could well be in line to captain France over their next two games.
Konate has been in brilliant form for Liverpool so far this season. After a difficult end to the last campaign, the 25-year-old looks absolutely back to his best alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Happily, Konate’s fitness has also held up fantastically well so far. Notoriously injury prone, Ibou has started eight of Liverpool’s 10 games so far, playing 90 minutes seven times.
There will be a slight worry that having played three times in a week most recently, Konate could break down again if playing for France against Israel on Thursday.
But according to RMC Sport, the Liverpool centre-back is now likely to start that game.
Without Dayot Upamecano in the squad this time, it’s claimed that Konate is set to be picked by Didier Deschamps in defence.
It is also reported that the absence of Mbappe, Upamecano and the newly-retired Antoine Griezmann mean that Konate has a ‘very good’ chance of wearing the captain’s armband on Thursday.
The Liverpool man is said to be ‘very popular’ with Deschamps and his ‘charisma and personality’ has reportedly made Ibou universally loved amongst his teammates, too.
With Aurlien Tchouameni and Jules Kounde also claimed to be in the running to inherit the armband temporarily, it is not set in stone that Konate will be chosen. But he’s reportedly one of three men in the running.
Konate’s re-emergence as one of the best defenders in Europe has been excellent to see this season.
The former RB Leipzig player has such high potential if he can only stay off the injury table regularly.
Deschamps has a great deal of quality at his disposal, both in terms of central defence and throughout his whole squad. Picking Konate to lead the team would be an indication of just how good Liverpool’s No.5 is.
Thankfully, we’re set to see that talent at Anfield for many years to come. Konate is almost ready to sign a new contract at Liverpool and this is another nod to what a good bit of news that is.
Obviously, if Ibou does get the armband over this international break it will only be temporary. Mbappe isn’t going anywhere and is the same age as Konate. But it would still be a proud moment for a player who deserves nothing but praise for the way he’s bounced back.
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