Liverpool star set to start country’s opening World Cup match tomorrow

Liverpool fans have plenty of players to get behind at the World Cup this winter.

Given their hit-and-miss results in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping some of his players can find some form in Qatar.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Darwin Nunez are almost certain to play every game for their nations.

There are still question marks over whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will be selected by Gareth Southgate.

However, one player who may not have expected to be immediately involved in Ibrahima Konate.

Konate did fantastically well to break into the current World Cup holders’ squad.

The likes of Benoit Badiashile and Clement Lenglet were left out of Didier Deschamps’ squad to make space for Konate.

The 23-year-old is set to partner Dayot Upamecano ahead of Arsenal’s breakout star William Saliba.

Konate set to start for France ahead of Saliba

The £70,000-a-week defender looks set to benefit from Deschamps insisting on playing Lucas Hernandez at left-back.

The older Hernandez brother tends to play through the middle for AC Milan, but will be shifted out wide in Deschamps’ system.

Saliba’s fantastic form at club level looks like it won’t earn him a place in the starting line-up right now.

Konate’s time at Liverpool has been affected by injuries, but he’s looked fantastic when he’s been fit to play.

The 23-year-old’s mentality will be key to slotting into the current world champion’s team.

With Konate set to start for France against Australia tomorrow, Liverpool fans may just be praying he gets through the tournament unscathed.

However, he now also has the opportunity to showcase his ability on the biggest stage.