'Will get the nod': Paul Merson thinks Klopp will start 'incredible' 23-year-old for Liverpool tonight
Paul Merson has tipped Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to name Ibrahima Konate in his starting XI for the Champions League final.
The Sky Sports pundit, writing on Sportskeeda, reckons the 23-year-old has the ideal traits to take on Real Madrid’s front line.
On Saturday, Liverpool will play their 63rd and final game of the 2021-22 campaign, where the Reds will hope to lift a seventh European Cup.
The Reds have reached the final of the competition for the third time in five seasons. They’ll be taking on the same team they faced in the 2018 showpiece in Kyiv.
Liverpool have already as already won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. They also finished second in the Premier League table despite breaking the 90-point barrier.
Konate will surely fancy his chances of starting at the Stade de France. He has truly impressed in his maiden season at Anfield.
“Konate a better fit for this game”
In his Champions League final preview piece, Merson acknowledged Matip is a “fantastic player”.
However, he feels Konate’s pace and strength makes him better equipped to deal with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr.
“Both teams have settled starting lineups,” wrote Merson.
“But it remains to be seen who starts alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defense.
“I believe Ibrahima Konate will get the nod. He’s better equipped to deal with Benzema and Vinicius due to his pace and strength.
“Joel Matip is a fantastic player in his own right and is arguably the best at playing out from the back among the Liverpool center-halves.
“But stylistically, Konate is a better fit for this game.”
“Once-in-a-generation player”
Konate has looked an absolute colossus next to Van Dijk and has impressed pundits and fans alike.
Former Reds star Jose Enrique described the defender as ‘incredible‘ for his performances this year.
Earlier this year, Trent Alexander-Arnold sat down with Konate to discuss his inclusion in the FIFA Future Stars Class of 2022.
The Future Stars promo sees some great youngsters with world class potential receive special cards with big upgrades.
And before handing Konate’s card to him, Alexander-Arnold spoke highly of his teammate.
“He’s got potential to be amazing,” the Anfield academy graduate told the Liverpool media team.
I’m able to see the boy every single day in training, and in games, and play with him.
