Samir Nasri shares if he’d start Ibrahima Konate for France now after Liverpool struggles

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Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate could struggle to find his way into the France team after a poor start to the season under Arne Slot, according to Premier League cult hero Samir Nasri.

The defender helped Liverpool cruise to the Premier League title last season. There was no genuine competition for the Merseyside club as they won their second top-flight title since 1990.

Arne Slot has persisted with Ibrahima Konate over the summer as a result of last season’s top form, but Konate has not impressed much at all, with the brilliance of Virgil van Dijk bailing the Frenchman out on regular occasions.

And that has led to Konate being left out of France’s potential lineup by Premier League icon Samir Nasri, who named another top-flight star ahead of him in the reckoning.

Samir Nasri chooses William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano over Ibrahima Konate for France

France have struggled themselves in recent times, only managing to muster a 2-2 draw away at Iceland on Monday, made worse by their narrow win over the Nordic nation in September.

Konate didn’t take part in the draw in Reykjavik, though he was a starter in the team that lost to Italy, Croatia and Spain during the Nations League.

With natural questions being posed as to their World Cup starting XI for the summer, Konate has been criticised by his France peers which could see him drop out of the reckoning.

And Nasri has agreed with that view by naming Arsenal star William Saliba and Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano as his two first-choice stars in the heart of defence, leaving Konate on the sidelines. He said to Canal+: “Saliba and Upamecano.

“Because I think Upamecano has also been consistent with Bayern Munich.

“For me, he’s a starter in the making.”

With Konate being called ‘absolutely awful’ by Jamie Carragher for his poor Liverpool form, he needs to have an almighty turnaround ahead of the World Cup in June if he is to become a de-facto starter.

Ibrahima Konate needs to improve his Liverpool form to keep his place

Konate’s poor form was highlighted as early as the first day of the season against Bournemouth, where he was at fault for both Cherries goals.

Links to Real Madrid have surrounded Konate’s future in recent months, and that may have contributed negatively to his form. Not only that, but Liverpool could replace him with England star Marc Guehi, with Joe Cole claiming Guehi links have affected Konate’s performances.

According to FBREF, Konate has only won 66.6% of his tackles so far this season. That is less than William Saliba’s 75% success rate, as well as making two errors.

With Konate’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, he’ll need to ensure he has a solid season otherwise Real Madrid may not come calling, as well as finding himself out of the France and Liverpool pictures.