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Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez picks Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as the best defender this World Cup Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has been a solid rock at the back for both club and country.

Speaking exclusively to FIFA via Twitter, 2010 World Cup winner and Spain icon Xavi Hernandez, who currently manages Barcelona when asked about the best centre-backs in the World Cup this year, named Konate alongside Upamecano and lauded the pair.



In France’s first game in the World Cup against Australia which they won 4-1, Konate was part of the starting lineup and was one of the best players on the pitch and at times, looked far more relaxed on the ball than his centre-back partner Dayot Upamecano.



Recently coming back from an injury and making it to France’s squad for the World Cup, the 23-year-old has made a sensational comeback.



However, after Raphael Varane’s return from injury, Konate had to make way for the Manchester United defender against Denmark as he is a much senior figure in the France set-up.

• Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini The player will play a huge role in the second half of the campaign for the Reds and hopefully, he is much more fit, and not so injury-prone.

Earning praise from a World Football icon would obviously boost Ibou’s confidence growing further into the season.
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