Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been named as part of the best centre-back partnership at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by Barcelona manager Xavi.
The tournament in the Middle East has entered its second week, with the Reds having seven players involved in the competition. Fabinho, Alisson Becker, Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Darwin Nunez are all in Qatar with their respective countries.
Barcelona boss Xavi has given a Q&A with FIFA’s Twitter account, where he was asked some quick-fire questions.
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When asked for his opinion on the best centre-backs in the World Cup so far, Xavi said Konate and his France team-mate Dayot Upamecano. Konate has featured in both of his country’s group stage fixtures so far, including one start against Australia.
Konate is not the only Liverpool central defender at the World Cup, with Van Dijk also starring for the Netherlands. However, Xavi went for the France international over the Dutch captain.
Other questions asked of Xavi included who he thought was the best finisher at the tournament. Xavi replied Brazil striker and former Everton star Richarlison, who scored twice in Brazil’s opening win over Serbia.
For the best goalkeeper, Xavi said Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, while for the best full-back he went with Spain’s Jordi Alba. And when asked for who he wants to win the tournament, apart from Spain, he said Argentina because of his “friend” Lionel Messi.
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