Liverpool stars such as Cody Gakpo and Ibrahima Konate have been active during the November international break
Ibrahima Konate celebrated the ‘huge honour’ of being named captain of the French national team as they pipped Italy to top spot of their Nations League group. Watching from afar, Cody Gakpo came up with a very special nickname for his Liverpool team-mate.
Once again Arne Slot‘s Reds have been given a two-week respite this month as international football takes centre stage. Plenty of the squad have been away with their national teams while the rest are recovering their fitness to attack a challenging festive period.
Of those away at the moment, Konate had most reason to celebrate on Sunday evening as he was handed the armband by France manager Didier Deschamps. Plenty has been made of that fact, with previous custodian Kylian Mbappe omitted for the second break running.
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Liverpool‘s No.5 ended up leading France to a 3-1 win over Group 2 rivals Italy at the San Siro. He may not have scored as he did when the Reds played AC Milan there earlier this season, but nonetheless it was an important victory as it ensured his nation first place and entry to the competition’s quarter finals, which will be staged in March.
Posting on Instagram afterwards, Konate wrote: “A huge honour a great victory to close 2024.”
And spotted in the comment section underneath, Gakpo gave him the new nickname: “Minister of Defence.”
At Anfield it is Reds captain and Konate’s regular defensive partner Virgil van Dijk who would usually take such plaudits, but at the rate of growth the Frenchman has shown, fears have certainly eased regarding the succession plan at the heart of Slot’s defence.
France have now completed their international duties so Konate will return to the AXA Training Centre this week as Liverpool training resumes. Gakpo, along with Van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, still have one more international encounter for the Netherlands on Tuesday evening before they are able to make their way back.
Following victory over Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary on Saturday in difficult circumstances, they are in prime position to also make the quarter finals.
