Ibrahima Konate lauded after improved World Cup performance for France

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Ibrahima Konate has been lauded for his ‘massive improvement’ by Get French Football News after France’s defeat to Tunisia, with no player receiving a higher rating for their performance than the Liverpool defender.

A much-changed France side ended their group-stage campaign on a sour note as they were beaten 1-0. Nevertheless, the World Cup holders finished top of their group after winning their first two games.

One of the changes saw Konate return to the starting lineup after being dropped for the win over Denmark. And it is fair to say that he left Didier Deschamps with something to think about ahead of the knockout stages.

Ibrahima Konate lauded after performance

Whoscored shows that the Reds centre-back made a colossal 11 successful tackles during the game. Meanwhile, there was also four clearances from the 23-year-old.

And clearly, Get French Football News felt that Konate was unlucky to be on the losing side, as he was handed an 8/10 rating.

“The only assured performance out of France’s backline in the first half, and continued to be solid in the second even when the rest of the defence was collapsing around him,” they wrote.

“A massive improvement from his shaky showing in the first game. Enough to win back a starting spot?”

It will be very interesting to see who gets the nod for the last 16 tie. William Saliba made his first appearance of the tournament, coming off the bench just after the hour mark.

Elsewhere, Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamecano started against Denmark. But Konate has certainly staked a very strong claim to hold onto his place.

It was a tough task for Les Bleus. Of course, they were already through to the knockout stages. But several players came in for what could be their only game of the tournament.

They were also coming up against a Tunisia side which still had a real opportunity to get through themselves.

So for Konate to impress in those circumstances is encouraging. Perhaps he has forced his way into the starting lineup for the next stage.