Liverpool duo Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate disappoint national media despite easy France win
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France ran out 3-1 winners in their final World Cup qualifying game against Azerbaijan.The international break is still going but for many countries, they have played their final games until March.France are one of these nations and they could take their foot off the gas this week as they had already qualified for the World Cup, meaning both Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate will go if they are selected.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. However, against Azerbaijan, both of them came under a little bit of heat from the press, with their performances not being up to scratch.Ekitike in particular was criticised, with both likely returning to Liverpool this week a little unhappy with how things went.
Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty ImagesHugo Ekitike had a ‘game to forget’Ekitike has been one of the shining lights for Liverpool this season, with his move to Anfield being seamless.During France’s first game this week against Ukraine, he also came off the bench and provided a goal and an assist, with his performance leaving many impressed.However, the same cannot be said against Azerbaijan, with the 23-year-old starting the match in the left wing position.Although he usually plays more centrally, he has played out wide before and has been tipped to play there for the Reds, but the French media have suggested this is not a good idea.Footmercato awarded Ekitike a player rating of just 4/10, saying that he ‘struggled’ a lot more in this game than he did against Ukraine.“In an unusual system with Mateta and Nkunku, the lanky striker didn’t necessarily have the space to express himself,” they wrote.“Rarely involved and often unavailable, he failed to stand out and missed some basic opportunities. A match to forget.”READ MORE: Liverpool’s owners were adamant about one behind the scenes change when Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool Do you want Ibrahima Konate to sign a new contract and stay at Liverpool?
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images As for Maxifoot, they gave him a 5.5 rating, citing that he showed a good work rate and lots of desire, but his overall performance was “not entirely convincing.”Ibrahima Konate had a decent game as captainKonate captained his country for this game, although he did not have the performance he would have hoped for against a weak opposition, although he did what was required. Footmercato gave him a 5/10, saying: “While he explained that he didn’t really understand his demotion but that he would work to regain his starting place with Les Bleus, the Liverpool defender was quite solid.“Effective in distribution and showing flair with the ball at his feet, he dominated in duels and held his own in aerial duels.”Maxifoot rated him slightly higher at 6.5, though, stating that his position and leadership were two good qualities.