Liverpool fans believe Ibrahima Konate could be their captain-in-waiting after footage emerged of the defender motivating France’s stars before their 3-1 win over Italy on Sunday.
Konate and goalkeeper Mike Maignan tried to rouse their troops ahead of the Nations League clash and it appears to have worked, with France topping their group after the victory.
With the futures of Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold both up in the air amid their expiring contracts, Liverpool fans think Konate could be their successor.
The defender has been with the club since joining from RB Leipzig for £35million in 2021 and on Sunday captained France for the first time on his 21st appearance for them.
‘Come on guys, set-pieces, in defence and attack, Lucas (Digne) knows what he has to do,’ Konate starts.
‘Guys, there’s a first-place finish up for grabs too. First place means that in the next round, boys, the second match will be at home. That’s what important too, guys.
Ibrahima Konate has been hailed as Liverpool’s next captain after fans saw how he motivated his France team-mates ahead of their 3-1 win over Italy in the Nations League on Sunday
Liverpool star Konate captained his country for the first time in France’s victory in Milan
‘But today, it’s about revenge, absolutely [Italy beat France 3-1 in September]. Revenge, revenge, revenge.’
Later, he makes his way around the team individually, clapping hands with them, and tells fellow defender Jules Kounde: ‘Jules, we know what we have to do, boss. Keep talking a lot with everyone, okay?’
Liverpool fans were quick to pick up on the dressing room video, released on France’s official social media channels, and praised the 25-year-old.
‘May just be next Liverpool’s captain in the making,’ said one on X.
‘What a true capitan, Konate,’ another said.
‘If Trent leaves, Konate will be the next captain. Allison, Robbo, Salah and Virgil(if they sign) have only two years max at the club,’ one wrote.
Another commented: ‘We are so lucky to have so many leaders in our team.’
‘Giving (Jordan) Henderson vibes, I love this man,’ said another.
Konate gave France stars a rousing speech before he individually greeted his team-mates in the dressing room
Konate has been a regular under Arne Slot and Liverpool fans think he could be their next leader
Konate has been in imperious form for the Reds this season and has benefited from good availability, which has not always been guaranteed with his injury record – though he did come off hurt against Brighton.
He was left out of the starting line-up on the opening day of the season against Ipswich, with Jarell Quansah preferred, but replaced the youngster at half-time, made a big impact and has not looked back.
Arne Slot’s side have only conceded six goals in the Premier League – half that of their next-best defenders Arsenal – and are five points clear of Manchester City.
Their credentials will face their biggest test yet next week then they face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Man City on Sunday.