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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate speaks to the media during the press conference ahead of France's UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain in Stuttgart, Germany(Image: Pau Barrena - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate has declared French compatriot Ousmane Dembele should win the Ballon d'Or - ahead of Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah.

Salah has enjoyed an outstanding season in helping the Reds claim a record-equalling 20th championship.

The Egyptian claimed the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker awards and was named Footballer of the Year after scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions.

Dembele managed 33 goals and 15 assists as Paris Saint-Germain won the treble of French league and cup along with the Champions League, having eliminated Liverpool on penalties in the round of 16.

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Both Salah and Dembele are among the favourites for the Ballon d'Or along with Barcelona duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, the latter of which Konate will be hoping to keep at bay when France and Spain meet in their UEFA Nations League semi-final in Germany on Thursday evening.

And when asked on Wednesday afternoon whether the game will be a decisive match towards determining the winner, Konate made clear who he wants to triumph.

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"It's illogical to want to put everything on Thursday's match," said the defender.

Say he deserves the Ballon d'Or, period!

"We must highlight Yamal's talent, I don't even know if Messi did that at his age, but we mustn't say it's going to be decided on Thursday!

"Dembele has had an exceptional season, I have no words!

Ousmane Dembele deserves the Ballon d'Or!"

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France were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the European Championships semi-final in Munich last July, although Konate isn't driven by thoughts of revenge.

"We have an exceptional pool of players," added the Liverpool centre-back.

The Euros is a step above the Nations League.