How Liverpool target Yan Diomande performed when up against Ibrahima Konate in World Cup warm-up match last night
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
On the day when Liverpool stepped up their interest in signing him this summer, Yan Diomande showed the world why the Reds are so desperate to bring him to Anfield.Reports from Thursday claimed that Liverpool have made contact with RB Leipzig over Diomande, with the German club said to be holding out for a whopping €130m to let him go.While that is a staggering amount for a player who has barely completed two seasons of senior football, the 19-year-old showed why he could well be worth it by giving now former Liverpool player Ibrahima Konate the runaround during Ivory Coast’s 2-1 win over France on Thursday evening. What should Iraola’s first job be as Liverpool boss? 🤔 Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images Diomande gives Konate a torrid day at the officeLiverpool fans have every reason to be watching Diomande closely as the World Cup comes into view, and after Thursday’s news that their club is accelerating interest in him, Ivory Coast’s match against France was the first chance to do that.To add a little spice to proceedings, the teenager would be facing Konate, who has made himself public enemy number one among Liverpool supporters after leaving the club and immediately agreeing a deal with Real Madrid.Those fans disappointed in Konate were given reason to smile, though, after the 27-year-old struggled to contain Diomande.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher sends message to Andoni Iraola after Liverpool move confirmedPhoto by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFrench outlet Footmercato scored Konate as a four out of 10, claiming that he was ‘easily outpaced’ by Diomande right from the start of the match.From there, Konate is said to have found himself regularly coming up against the Leipzig man, but it’s claimed that ‘his imposing physique wasn’t enough to stop him.’RMC Sport also noted the former Liverpool star’s struggles against Diomande, writing that he was ‘caught out’ by the winger early on into the game and never really recovered.With another score of four out of 10, it looks to have been a difficult World Cup warm-up for Konate.
As for Diomande, he is heading into the tournament seemingly ready to cement himself as one of the world’s most expensive footballers. Liverpool are pushing to make him a Red, and performances like these will only strengthen their determination.
Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox