Ibrahima Konaté has barely had any pre-season time, but that did not stop Jose Mourinho from giving the French defender his first official Real Madrid start right away. The former Liverpool center-back did not disappoint.
Madrid’s difficult win at the RCDE stadium that needed a last-minute winner from Carlos Espi did have a customary moment of defensive lapse, and Konaté’s positioning choice in that moment could well be called into question; however, apart from that, he was very impressive.
Real Madrid
have lacked consistency at center-back over the past two seasons. Éder Militão’s injuries, the fluctuating form of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, and Raúl Asensio’s inconsistency have all prevented Madrid from finding real stability at the back. Dean Huijsen also struggled through the second half of last season.
A leaner, fitter Konaté, as demonstrated against Espanyol, could address several of those concerns, provided he can stay healthy. The Frenchman delivered a reminder of the kind of no-nonsense defending Real Madrid sorely lacked from their center-backs last season.
He produced a dominant defensive display against Espanyol, registering nine defensive contributions, including two tackles won, one interception and five clearances. He also made five recoveries, won eight duels and was not dribbled past once. Konaté was equally assured in possession, completing 72 of his 74 passes for a 97% success rate.
Konaté is expected to make his Bernabéu debut in three days, when Real Madrid host Real Sociedad.
