2022 has been quite the year for Ibrahima Konate.
Shortly after moving to Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the previous May, the 23-year-old quickly established himself as an instrumental part of Jurgen Klopp's cavalry and was integral in the Reds' near-perfect pursuit of Premier League and Champions League glory in his debut season.
Having spent his childhood growing up in the suburbs of Paris, the European Cup finale against Real Madrid should have been the crowning moment of the young Frenchman's career. But despite his flawless showing against Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema, which was buried in the forgettable nature of the showpiece final and the troubles that surrounded it, Konate's return to his homeland is the sole blemish on his Reds record to date as he was condemned to a first loss, in games he has started, at the 26th attempt.
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A string of dominant displays alongside Virgil van Dijk at the tail-end of both the Reds' domestic and continental campaigns was rewarded by Didier Deschamps with a maiden international call-up for the Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Austria during the summer, despite initially being snubbed by the France manager.
Prior to replacing the injured Raphael Varane in the squad back in June, the 54-year-old had cited Konate's lack of experience playing in a three-man defence as the reason behind his omission. However, since his introduction into the senior side both of his caps have come while playing in a four-man defence; a system he has excelled in since moving to Anfield.
According to RMC Sport, on the eve of the holders' Group C opener, Deschamps is trialling his side in the same 4-3-3 formation that ended the country's 20-year wait for a major international trophy back in 2018, which could see Konate paired with Varane. That is despite the Manchester United defender not featuring for the Red Devils since sustaining an injury against Chelsea last month.
After sealing their second World Cup victory in 2018, France had been touted by many to accomplish a feat only Italy and Brazil have previously navigated in successfully retaining the trophy. However, late injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Ballon d'Or winner Benzema have severely dented the Blues' hopes of such an extraordinary triumph and left Deschamps' side a man light after opting against calling up a replacement for the injury-stricken Real Madrid forward.
It means that France will now likely revert back to the forward line that yielded huge success in Russia four years ago, with Antonione Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe both playing off AC Milan frontman Olivier Giroud. Despite the trio's formative success, the absence of Benzema - who scored 44 goals in 46 games for Los Blancos last season - will no doubt weaken their frontline and ultimately raise the pressure on Konate at the opposite end of the field.
If Varane, a four-time Champions League winner, is not fit, however, the Liverpool defender could be partnered alongside Arsenal sensation William Saliba. But whatever combination Deschamps selects, one thing that is certain is that it will be the biggest moment of the young defender's career to date.
If the old saying attack wins you games and defence wins you titles is anything is still claimed to be accurate, Konate will need to thrive for his nation in the same fashion he has since moving to Merseyside if France are to have any aspirations of honouring the Middle Eastern finals with a third World Cup triumph.
It seems Komate will venture on the mission with the backing and support of his manager, with the 1998 World Winner, quick to offer his praises to Konate earlier this month, saying: "You're not a starter at that age in a Liverpool team which were European champions by accident."
Van Dijk then echoed the comments of the France manager earlier this week as he admitted that the former Leipzig man had surprised him out of any member within the current Anfield squad ability-wise.
"I think Konate over the last year, personality-wise he’s very outspoken, bubbly, and chatty, but on the pitch, he’s quality of course," said Van Dijk. "An incredible player for now, but also for the future."
Having missed out on the European Championships through injury last summer, and Holland having failed to qualify for the two previous international tournaments, this winter will symbolise both Konate and Van Dijk's maiden appearances at such a level.
If fate has its way, the two could meet in the quarter-final stages of the competition for the ultimate Anfield bragging rights.
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